A 30-year-old man facing four counts of theft by false pretences involving alleged fraudulent platinum deals amounting to nearly E100 000 has been granted bail by the High Court after arguing that continued detention endangered his health.
Edno Vilanculas of Fairview told the court that he is currently being held at Zakhele Remand Centre following his arrest by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) based at the Manzini Regional Offices.
Vilanculas said he was seeking urgent relief because he suffered from seizures similar to epilepsy, which he said were triggered by anxiety and shock.
“I am a sickly person who suffers from seizures akin to epilepsy triggered by anxiety and shock,” he submitted, adding that there was overcrowding at Zakhele Remand Centre which increased the risk of contracting contagious diseases.
“With each passing day the risk of attracting contagious illnesses persists,” he stated.
He added that the matter was urgent because continued incarceration, coupled with delays associated with ordinary court procedures, would expose him to irreparable harm.
Vilanculas maintained his innocence and informed the court that he intended to plead not guilty to all charges.
He also informed the court that he was a first-time offender and was not facing any other criminal proceedings.
He said he had a 10-year-old child who lived with his unemployed wife and that both depended on him financially through earnings from piece jobs.
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He added that he would not interfere with crown witnesses or abscond trial if released on bail.
Vilanculas assured the court that he would reside at Fairview in the Manzini region with his uncle Patrick Sithole, adding that none of the complainants lived near his residence.
According to the charge sheet, Vilanculas faces four counts of theft by false pretences linked to alleged fake platinum deals carried out in various parts of Manzini in 2025.
In count one, the charge sheet states that on or about October 6, 2025 near OK President Centre in Manzini, he allegedly misrepresented himself to Xolani Masango of Mahwalala claiming he could supply two kilograms of platinum. It is alleged that Masango handed over E50 000 in cash which was subsequently stolen.
In count two, he allegedly deceived Emmanuel Sigudla of Mbelebeleni near the Manzini Bus Rank on October 6, 2025 into paying E10 000 under the pretence that platinum would be supplied.
In count three, on or about September 23, 2025 near Trelawney Park in Manzini, Vilanculas allegedly convinced Mveli Mkhwanazi of Khuphuka to part with E13 000 after promising to provide platinum and a Redmi cellphone valued at E3 000.
The charge sheet indicated that the money allegedly belonged to Cebile Mkhatjwa.
In count four, Vilanculas is accused of unlawfully obtaining E26 000 from Mlungisi Tembiso Mahlalela of Shewula on January 21, 2025 after allegedly claiming he would provide platinum.
The alleged losses in all four matters amount to E99 000.
The High Court granted him bail fixed at E15 000, with E3 000 paid in cash and E12 000 secured through surety.
