Ebuka burglar caught on camera
MBABANE – Lightning has struck twice for a grocery store at Ebuka.
This was when it was burgled on Saturday morning, a few months after enduring the tragic death of its proprietor.
This is the same business in which the Pakistani owner was stabbed to death, allegedly by Mbabane socialite Leon Sibandze.
Sibandze was arrested for the murder and is currently out on bail.
This time around, thugs broke in through the roof and stole a laptop, Pakistan passport as well as E1 500 in cash.
A source close to the matter, who is one of those who went to the scene, said the thugs left behind a pair of scissors, which was purportedly used to cut the iron sheets of the roof.
Meanwhile, the Times of
Eswatini has seen a CCTV footage in which a man is seen searching for something over the counter.
Despite that there were several items on display, he is seen ignoring them, and going for a black plastic bag whose contents could not be ascertained.
Emergency
The source alleged that they went to report at Ezulwini Police Post on Saturday morning, but were told to go back and call 999, the police emergency number.
“We did that but by Sunday, the police had still not arrived to assess the damage,” the source said.
This was, however, denied by Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, who said: “A lady came to report after she noticed that there was some tampering with the roof, but she was not aware of the damage or items stolen. The police went to the scene the same day.”
Vilakati said the items stolen included E1 200 cash and cigarettes valued at E500.
Meanwhile, the source said the latest incident could be related to a man who is notorious for cutting roof sheets to gain entry into people’s properties during burglaries in Ezulwini.
“From the year 2008, this man has been using that same modus operandi. He gets arrested and gets released,” he said.
Meanwhile, violent crimes and burglaries are not uncommon in Ezulwini and surrounding areas.
It was said that the area is home to the notorious prison gangs known as Nombolo 26/28, whose members also recruit pupils.