Swazi Observer

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E143 000 LOST IN 4 NEW ‘FACATA’ CASES - NATCOM

By NOMFANELO MAZIYA | 2024-11-15

AYIKHO imphunga yelihlatsi. Itawulala ibonene.”
These were the sentiments by National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango who reported that following the recent arrest of 31 ‘facata’ suspects and 45 successfully proven and completed cases before court, four new cases had been reported.

These new cases’ total losses were valued at E143 000 through the same crime.
NatCom was speaking during the 2024 Fraud Awareness Week at Royal Villas yesterday.
He said the country was grappling with a significant surge in fraudulent activities, particularly the 'facata' scams.

To date, police statistics revealed that a total of 360 ‘facata’ cases had been reported, with a collective of over E3 million.

The NatCom at a police prayer service urged ‘facata’ scammers to surrender as their escape routes were getting narrow.

The 'facata' scam, a sophisticated form of fraud, involved deceiving individuals into believing that they have received funds, often through Mobile Money platforms.

Victims were then pressured to release goods or services or return the supposed funds.
Law enforcement agencies had made significant strides in combating this crime.

A comprehensive breakdown of 'facata' cases by region highlighted the extent of the problem: Hhohho region had 81 cases valued at E1.1 million, Manzini 95 valued at E668 331.82, Lubomo 92 valued at E401 176, and Shiselweni 92 valued at E753 278.78.

Between November, 2023 and October 2024, 576 of other fraudulent activities were reported, amounting to losses of E398.7 million.

To combat this rising tide of fraud, the national commissioner encouraged both individuals and organisations to be vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and verify the authenticity of online transactions.

He advised them to use reputable e-commerce platforms and be cautious when sharing personal information.

Before making payments, especially for property transactions, NatCom recommended that businesses and individuals should ensure thorough verification of ownership.

“Report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities, including banks, telecommunications companies, and the police,” he said.

Businesses and financial institutions also had a role to play, according to Masango.
He said they should implement strong security systems, conduct regular audits, and separate employee duties to minimise fraud risks.

For Mobile Money agents and users, the national commissione urged them to exercise extreme caution when receiving unexpected messages and verify the legitimacy of such transactions before taking any action.

By adopting these preventive measures and fostering a culture of awareness, Masango highlighted that the country could effectively combat fraud and protect its citizens from financial loss. Law enforcement agencies are also actively working to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Campaign
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Be aware.. Connect with care be vigilant’.
“The belief is that as more people move to digital platforms for day-to-day transactions such as the payment of utility bills as well as goods and services, there is a high likelihood for users lowering their guard and clicking without care and attention, ” said Masango.

He said this opened the doorway for cyber fraudsters to pounce and take advantage of lapses in concentration.

“The theme, therefore, rightly addresses and encourages thoughtfulness and reflection, clarity of mind, including awareness of potential threats and suspicious cyber instructions whenever one is transacting online, on their phones and /or related gadgets,” said Masango.

ESCCOM CEO Mvilawemphi Dlamini was also in attendance.
EBA Chairman Mvuselelo Fakudze makes his remarks.

National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango during the launch.
CBE Head of Strategy and Communications Mandla Luphondvo makes his remarks, representing Governor Dr Phil Mnisi.

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