MANZINI – Sandile Bandzile Matsenjwa (33) is back in custody on 31 new counts, including fraud, cybercrime and money laundering, allegedly defrauding emaSwati of over E33 000.
Matsenjwa of KaBhudla, is back behind bars, this time facing a daunting 31 new counts of criminal offences, including fraud, theft by false pretences, money laundering and cybercrime.
The alleged fraudster, who was already out on bail for a similar scam, is accused of targeting multiple victims across the country, reportedly defrauding emaSwati of over E33 000.
The accused allegedly employed a recurring scheme, contacting victims under the pretext that their mobile phones had been hacked by scammers. Claiming he could assist them in removing the hacks, Matsenjwa is accused of inducing victims to provide their banking and Mobile Money Credentials. He then allegedly accessed their accounts and withdrew substantial sums of money for his own benefit and that of his criminal gang.
The charges list six victims reportedly defrauded using the same method, including: Mildred Siphiwe Kunene (E15 000), Nandiwe Gamedze (E6 600), Lungile Patience Dladla (E1 612), Nontobeko Masuku (E878), Promise Sifiso Hleta (E3 500) and Nothando Shongwe (E3 877). Matsenjwa is accused of committing these acts across various regions, including Manzini, Mbabane, Malkerns, Siphofaneni and Lobamba, between July and August 2025.
In addition to fraud and theft by false pretences, Matsenjwa faces charges under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act No. 6 of 2022, including unlawful acts on computer systems and data storage mediums, as well as misrepresentation causing actual prejudice to the victims.
He is also charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018 and the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, for allegedly benefiting a criminal gang and using illegally obtained money while knowing its illicit origin.
Matsenjwa appeared before Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi at the Manzini Magistrates Court, where he was remanded back into custody pending the appointment of a lawyer. He is scheduled to return to court on November 12, 2025, with the court emphasising that the case will proceed in his absence should he fail to secure legal representation by that date.
Sandile Matsenjwa during his court appearance yesterday. (Pics: Sinikiwe Shongwe)