Three women have become the latest victims of scams in three different incidents reported in Manzini.
The women aged 39, 46 and 47 were conned amounts of E49 550, E62 000 and E22 000 respectively. All three cases are under investigation by the Manzini police, after having been reported on Thursday.
The police have confirmed having launched an investigation into three cases of theft by false pretences reported under the precinct.
“In the first case, a 39-year-old woman of Fairview reported that, between October 2025 and August 2026 she was defrauded E49 550-00 by an acquaintance while in the Manzini area,” the police reported.
They said the suspect had been receiving money from the victim over the past 11 months, following a promise to start partnership for a bottle store business.
The police said the suspect would take the victim to various bottle stores, claiming that they were running out of stock and needed funds to restock.
“Convinced by these claims, the victim continued to provide money to the suspect until this month, when she finally realised she had been scammed. A case was opened with the police on Thursday 27.”
In the case, the police said the 46-year-old woman of Ka-Shali reported that in January 2026, she was swindled out of E62 000 by a known woman while in Manzini.
“Meanwhile, the 47-year-old woman of Ngwane Park reported that in February 2026, she was also tricked into giving E22 000 by the same suspect. Both victims reported that the suspect approached them, posing as an agent who could assist them in securing overseas jobs as house cleaners,” the police said.
The suspect claimed she would facilitate the jobs and promised that the victims would be well paid.
“Trusting her claims, both women gave her money to secure the promised employment, but the jobs never materialised. These cases were reported on August 27, and the police are tracking down the suspect to ensure that justice is served,” the report said.
The police have issued several warnings to the public regarding fraudulent schemes related to job seekers, ongoing facata scams, and fraudulent links promising cash gifts or job offers abroad.
They have advised members of the public to report suspected recruitment fraud or scam calls directly to the nearest police station or via emergency numbers 999, 9999, or 112.
