Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Police Service has arrested two former employees of MTN Eswatini in connection with an alleged E10.2 million airtime theft case that unfolded over two years and exposed what police describe as a breach of trust from within the telecoms sector.
Police confirmed the arrest of the suspects, aged 37 and 29, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from KaDlovunga and Ntontozi respectively, following a long-running investigation into missing airtime stock traced to their former workplace.
Investigators say the alleged theft took place between January 2024 and January 2026, during which the suspects were employed by a local network provider responsible for handling and distributing airtime stock.
According to police, the case came to light after a 40-year-old businessman from Mabuya Township reported unexplained shortages in airtime supply. What initially appeared to be minor stock discrepancies reportedly escalated into substantial financial losses, prompting a deeper audit and police investigation.
Police allege that while working in positions of trust, the two suspects diverted airtime stock for personal gain. Investigators further claim the pair ran an unauthorised side operation that channelled illegal airtime to selected distributors, concealing the missing stock through official systems linked to their workplace.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service says detectives spent months analysing transaction records, tracking distribution patterns, and conducting surveillance to piece together the alleged operation. Officers say the breakthrough came after they established a link between the missing stock and internal processes at the network provider.
Constable Mcolisi Mavuso praised the investigators for their persistence in uncovering what he described as a complex internal scheme.
“We commend the dedication of our officers who worked tirelessly over an extended period to ensure that this case reaches its conclusion,” said Mavuso, adding that the case highlights the risks of internal fraud within trusted institutions.
Police have urged businesses to strengthen internal controls, improve monitoring systems, and report irregularities early to prevent similar cases.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, April 10, 2026, where they will face charges linked to the alleged theft. Investigations are ongoing.
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