A 43-year-old employee of The Employment Bureau of Africa Limited (TEBA) offices in Mbabane and her alleged accomplice have been remanded in custody.
This was after appearing in court on multiple robbery charges linked to an armed heist where more than E120 000 was allegedly stolen. The crime was committed on March 2, 2026.
Gugu Mnisi (43) of Mbangweni in Nhlangano and Sambulo Shabangu (32) of Maphalaleni appeared before Principal Magistrate’s Fikile Nhlabatsi at the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court facing 10 counts of robbery and one count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
During court proceedings, the Crown applied for the continued detention of four cellphones of which two belonged to the accused and two to key witnesses for further investigations. The application was granted by the court.
The charge sheet alleges that the accused, armed with a firearm, threatened employees and robbed them of cash and personal belongings.
Robbery
The first count relates to the alleged robbery of Ntombikayise Hillary, from whom E120 185 in cash was reportedly stolen after she was threatened with a firearm. The second count concerns the alleged robbery of Sibusani Kunene who reportedly lost a Samsung cellphone valued at E1 800.
In count three the accused allegedly robbed Patrick Dlamini of a Samsung A03 cellphone and E1 800 in cash, valued at a total of E3 600. They were further charged with theft of a Samsung A05 which belonged to Precious Zikalala and E400 cash. Another complainant Ayanda Vilakati allegedly lost a Stylo cellphone valued at E200.
The accused are further charged with robbing Luhlanga Velakhe of a Samsung Galaxy A04 cellphone and E570 cash. Additional charges stem from alleged robberies committed involving several complainants, including Nomfundo Precious Zikalala, Muzi Hlatswako and Nelisiwe Makhanya whose stolen items included mobile phones, vehicle keys and other valuables.
Mnisi and Shabangu also face a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after they allegedly struck David Simelane on the forehead with a firearm.
Mnisi, who was employed at TEBA, faces an additional charge alleging that she robbed her employer while acting in furtherance of a common purpose with Shabangu. The matter was postponed to June 4, pending the appearance of Shabangu’s attorney. Both accused remain in custody.
