MANZINI – Police have collaborated with their South African counterparts to find two suspects wanted in connection with the robbery of E1.6 million at the Manzini Branch of the EswatiniBank.
The suspects were reportedly identified and found in a township in Gauteng where they had a nest.
However, two other persons of interest are still at large, including Mzwandile Shongwe, who is a former employee of the bank and Thembela Philiso Ferreila (36) of Timbutini.
Sources revealed that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) received information that suspects in the robbery skipped the country and were hiding in SA. REPS then joined forces with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to search for the suspects and the collaboration is starting to bear fruit.
It could not be ascertained if the loot was recovered in the process as investigations are ongoing.
However, according to the sources, the suspects were found in possession of money amounting to E100 000.
“The police found their nest in the township and two suspects were placed under surveillance, though no arrests have been made. We believe it will only be a matter of time before all who were involved in the heist are brought to book,” said the source.
The source also alleged that another suspect’s movements were being traced to another African State which cannot be named for now.
Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni could only confirm that two suspects were identified in SA, but no arrest were made.
She declined to state details of the breakthrough, saying police are still investigating.
“We cannot state any details for now, but will report to the nation when the situation warrants so,” she said.
REPS released the pictures of the suspects, saying anyone who sees them must call the police.
The numbers are those of Manzini Regional Crime Branch Officer Makhanya on 7606 4483, Inspector Vilane in charge of Manzini Lukhozi on 7615 5941 and Sergeant Ayanda Dlamini on 7603 3449.
The robbery unfolded at night in February. Police say an undisclosed number of suspects ambushed a security guard at the main gate shortly after 11pm, restraining him before gaining access to the premises.
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Bongani Mzwandile Arcan Shongwe, 39, of Dvokolwako.