Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has urged members of the public to exercise heightened caution against facata and other forms of financial crime during the festive season, warning that criminal schemes are becoming more advanced and increasingly difficult to detect.
The warning was issued by Assistant Commissioner Nicholas Jele, Director of the Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, during an interview on the Eswatini TV Kusile Breakfast Show on Monday, 17 November 2025. Jele outlined alarming statistics which show a sharp escalation in cases of fraud over the past year, coupled with growing financial losses suffered by individuals, companies and institutions.
According to the Assistant Commissioner, Eswatini lost a staggering E267 million to financial crimes between October 2024 and 30 September 2025. He revealed that reported cases had risen dramatically from 576 in the previous year to 1 832 this year, a development he described as concerning but also useful from a policing perspective. Jele explained that increased reporting enables the police to better identify emerging criminal patterns, respond more quickly and tailor preventative strategies.
ATM fraud remains one of the enduring challenges, with 86 cases recorded this year. Jele expressed concern that many of these incidents stem from avoidable lapses in personal security, particularly the sharing of Personal Identity Numbers (PINs). He said police continued to encounter situations where individuals disclosed their PINs to children or relatives, behaviour he described as dangerous and unnecessary. “Your PIN is personal and must remain confidential,” he warned, adding that criminals often rely on such breaches to steal funds undetected.
Internet-based fraud has also surged, with 1 365 cases reported. Jele said a significant portion of these involve businesses falling victim to email scams in which fraudsters impersonate suppliers and send fake notices claiming changes in banking details. He cautioned companies to verify such requests directly with suppliers using trusted communication channels, emphasising that emails alone should never be relied upon when authorising high-value transactions.
Investment fraud continues to plague the country as well, with 13 victims having lost pensions, retirement benefits and life savings after being enticed by schemes promising unrealistic returns. Jele noted that criminals often exploit financial desperation or lack of awareness, urging the public to consult banks or financial advisers before committing to any investment. He also highlighted ongoing scams involving fake motor vehicle sales and fraudulent livestock deals. “If someone offers you a Toyota GD6 for E70 000, it cannot be true,” he said, stressing that Eswatini continues to see numerous cases driven by such unrealistic offers.
Jele further warned of a rise in criminals impersonating police officers through WhatsApp calls and messages using the REPS logo. He emphasised that genuine officers do not use WhatsApp to contact citizens, particularly for matters involving personal information or financial instructions. “No one should act on financial instructions from unknown individuals,” he said, urging the public to verify identities by contacting the nearest police station directly.
As the festive season approaches—a period often associated with increased spending and movement—REPS is urging Emaswati to stay vigilant. Jele said the police aim to ensure that the public enjoys the holidays without falling victim to financial predators. “We want Emaswati to enjoy the holidays safely. Stay alert and protect your money,” he advised.
Authorities say they will intensify awareness campaigns throughout December to help curb the rise in facata and ensure that the public is equipped with practical tools to safeguard themselves against financial crime.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
