The Manzini Magistrate's Court in Eswatini has sentenced two men, Nqaba Thandukukhanya Simelane and Mbutfo Nkululeko Mamba, to a combined 78 years in prison for their involvement in the 'facata' scam. The scam involves fraudsters posing as bank or government officials to gain access to victims' financial accounts. According to the Swazi Observer, the duo was found guilty of defrauding members of the public and was sentenced by Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi.
Simelane, 25, of KaBhudla, and Mamba, 25, of Ndabeni area, were each found guilty on multiple counts of defrauding members of the public. Simelane faced 41 counts and was sentenced to 41 years imprisonment, with an option of a fine of E159 000. Mamba faced 38 counts and was sentenced to 37 years imprisonment, with a fine of E138 000. The court ordered that the sentences on the respective counts run consecutively.
The 'facata' scam typically involves fraudsters using stolen banking credentials and deception to access victims' funds. In several of the charges, the accused allegedly posed as bank officials and contacted unsuspecting victims, falsely informing them that their bank accounts had been compromised or were under cyber-attack. They then convinced the victims to disclose their banking credentials, claiming that the information was necessary to help secure their money.
During mitigation, Simelane told the court that he had two children, the youngest being just 10 months old. He also stated that he operated a mobile money business and sold chickens as a means of earning a living. Simelane pleaded with the court for leniency, stating that he had made a mistake and that this was his first time committing such an offence.
Mamba, in his mitigation, told the court that he had a young child who depended on him. He apologized for his actions and pleaded for leniency, claiming that he had not initially intended to commit the offences but had succumbed to temptation. Mamba stated that he was sorry for what he did.
The charges against the duo included theft by false pretences, contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018, the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, and the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act No. 6 of 2022. The sentences add to a growing body of 'facata' cases before the courts in Eswatini.
The court sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect members of the public from such scams. The 'facata' scam has been a major concern in Eswatini, with many people falling victim to the fraudsters' tactics. The sentences are expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar activities.
Key points
- Two Eswatini men sentenced to 78 years combined for 'facata' scam
- The scam involves fraudsters posing as bank or government officials to gain access to victims' financial accounts
- The sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect members of the public from such scams
