Africa-Press – Eswatini. Siteki Police have swiftly apprehended two suspects and recovered a stolen 9mm pistol following a diligent response to a theft-from-motor-vehicle incident that unfolded last week.
The successful recovery highlights the police’s continued commitment to public safety and the protection of communities.
The matter began on 5 December 2025, when a 57-year-old Vikizijula man discovered that his licensed firearm had been stolen from his vehicle shortly after giving a lift to two individuals he knew.
The suspects, a 36-year-old man from Mambane and a 20-year-old woman from Othandweni, had earlier visited his homestead before he offered them transport.
During a brief stop at a shop in Kalanga, the 36-year-old man allegedly seized the opportunity to remove the firearm from the vehicle’s cabin holder. After dropping them off, the complainant realised his pistol was missing and immediately proceeded to report the matter at the Siteki Police Station.
While filing the report, the complainant spotted the same man, who had just been arrested on a separate matter, being escorted through the station corridors. He promptly identified him as the alleged thief. Police confirmed that the suspect was already on their wanted list.
Upon questioning, the man admitted to the theft and revealed that the firearm had been handed to the 20-year-old woman. Guided by this information, officers launched a rapid follow-up operation. The woman was located in Maphungwane, where she was found in possession of the stolen pistol along with nine live rounds of ammunition.
She was immediately charged under the Arms and Ammunition Act for possessing a firearm without a valid licence or permit, while the male suspect was charged for theft and related offences.
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Siteki Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Police have praised the quick reporting by the victim and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from communities. Their prompt investigations led to the safe recovery of a dangerous weapon and the arrest of two individuals believed to pose a risk to public safety.
The successful operation once again demonstrates the dedication of Eswatini’s law enforcement agencies in safeguarding citizen.
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