Crime

MBABANE – Investigations into the man arrested in connection with the Standard Bank Business Centre break-in have uncovered a trail of supermarket and business burglaries across the country.

Police believe the suspect terrorised businesses nationwide. Investigations have revealed that Thokozani Mphumelelo Manana (26), of Bulunga, allegedly specialised in breaking into business premises through rooftops before making off with large sums of cash. Manana has been linked to several break-ins targeting supermarkets and businesses, where close to E2 million is alleged to have been stolen.

According to an affidavit deposed to by Detective Constable Mcolisi Dlamini of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Manana was initially arrested in connection with a break-in at the Standard Bank Business Centre in Manzini. The matter was reported on February 12, 2026, after unknown suspects allegedly gained entry through the roof and stole property valued at E17 500.

Dlamini stated that while Manana was being interrogated over the Standard Bank matter, he allegedly began mentioning several other places he had broken into. The businesses allegedly mentioned include Checkers Supermarket, Mr Cheap Supermarket, Easy Buy Shop, Matsapha Spar and Mbikwakhe Foodland Supermarket.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used the same modus operandi in most of the crimes, namely entering through corrugated iron roofing.

Police further alleged that during questioning, Manana admitted to breaking into Checkers Supermarket through the roof after creating an opening in the iron sheets. Manana reportedly confessed to stealing E1 million from the supermarket. Investigators further alleged that searches conducted at the suspect’s homestead led to the recovery of money believed to be proceeds of crime. According to the affidavit, police recovered E32 070, which had been allegedly hidden at the homestead.

Police further alleged that E25 000 was recovered from the suspect’s father, while the balance was found inside a wardrobe drawer. Investigators also recovered clothing and sneakers allegedly worn during the Standard Bank break-in.

Police additionally recovered three safe keys believed to have been stolen from Checkers Supermarket during one of the break-ins.

Investigators further alleged that searches conducted near Mhlaleni Mountain led to the recovery of a cash box containing receipts from Mr Cheap Supermarket. A pick-head allegedly used during the commission of the crimes was also recovered, hidden inside a maize field.

According to the affidavit, police later recovered an additional E78 870.20 allegedly hidden by the suspect’s relatives.

Investigations established that after obtaining money from supermarket break-ins, Manana allegedly embarked on a property-buying spree.

The State alleges that the suspect used proceeds of crime to acquire vehicles, land and properties in different parts of the country.

In an application filed before court, Principal Crown Counsel Elsie Matsebula informed the court that the accused allegedly specialised in housebreaking, targeting businesses dealing in cash. “The charge sheet reflects that Manana specialises in the business of housebreaking of businesses dealing in cash, and such criminal activity stands as the main source of income,” the prosecution submitted.

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Family lived off ‘dirty’ money, supported him – state

MBABANE – The family of the suspect accused of masterminding a string of rooftop break-ins allegedly attempted to sell one of the properties in a bid to raise bail money after his arrest.

This is according to an affidavit deposed to by 77-year-old Themba Simelane of Nkawini under Chief Mthunzi Mdluli, who sold two plots to Thokozani Manana. The claims are contained in an affidavit filed before court, the merits of which are yet to be contested.

Manana is currently in custody facing several charges of housebreaking and theft following investigations linking him to break-ins at supermarkets and businesses across the country.

According to Simelane’s affidavit, police officers from the Shiselweni Regional Headquarters approached him on May 6, 2026, regarding one of the plots he allegedly sold to Manana. Simelane stated that before the police visit, members of the Manana family had already approached him seeking permission to resell the land. He alleged that on April 18, 2026, while at his home, members of the Manana family arrived in a seven-seater kombi.

According to Simelane, the group introduced themselves as Elias Manana, the suspect’s father, the suspect’s mother, his wife and two brothers. Simelane alleged that he recognised Elias and his two sons, as they were present when he introduced Manana to the kaMzizi area council following the sale of the plots.

The elderly man alleged that Elias informed him that his son had been arrested by police in Manzini in connection with several serious offences.

According to the affidavit, the family allegedly requested permission to sell the plots which Simelane had sold to the suspect for E60 000 each. The plots reportedly form part of properties now under investigation by the police Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Simelane alleged that Elias explained that the family needed money to secure bail for his son. “He asked me to let them, as a family, to sell the plot that I sold to Thokozani Manana so that they can post bail for their son, whom they wished to be released from custody,” reads part of the affidavit.

However, Simelane allegedly refused to grant the family permission to proceed with the sale. He allegedly informed them that the land was already the subject of police investigations and therefore he could not authorise any transaction involving it.

According to the affidavit, Simelane allegedly advised the family to first consult the Asset Forfeiture Unit in Manzini if they wished to obtain permission to sell the land. The court allegedly heard that Elias acknowledged Simelane’s explanation, although he expressed frustration over his son’s continued incarceration.

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Thokozani Mphumelelo Manana (26), the suspect linked by police to a series of roof-top break-ins targeting supermarkets and businesses across the country. (Courtesy pics)