Swazi Observer

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DPP FILES 32 NEW CHARGES AGAINST SELF-PROCLAIMED COMMANDER

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi | 2025-03-05

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lomvula Hlophe yesterday filed 32 fresh charges against self-proclaimed commander of the solidarity forces Thabo Kunene.
This was through an amended indictment, formally linking the former police officer Kunene, with three other accused.
Previously, Kunene and others (not the three mentioned above) were facing 43 charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008. Amongst the 43 charges are six counts of murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, nine of malicious damage to property and two of arson.
In the amended indictment filed yesterday, the self-proclaimed commander and his co-accused Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu, Philani Sihlongonyane, and German Robert Dlamini are collectively facing 32 charges, including the murder of security personnel and destruction of property during the 2021 unrest, while some counts were allegedly committed in 2022.
They are alleged to have committed these acts for political purposes with the intention to either intimidate a section of the public and law enforcement officials in order to bring about the overthrow of the lawful government by force.
According to the amended indictment, Hlophe argued that Kunene, as the self-proclaimed commander of the solidarity forces, instructed and encouraged his co-accused to commit the alleged crimes. The acting DPP submitted in the indictment that, through this common purpose, all four accused are equally guilty of the offences detailed in the indictment.
The prosecution outlined a series of violent crimes allegedly carried out by the accused, demonstrating a pattern of targeted attacks against security forces and civilians.
Darkness
On December 20, 2021, Mabuyakhulu and Sihlongonyane allegedly travelled to Ndunayithini under the cover of darkness. They allegedly threw a petrol bomb into a house, setting it ablaze. The house, valued at E1.2 million, was completely destroyed, and the accused fled the scene.
On May 24, 2022, the accused allegedly lured Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) member Nkosinathi Dlamini outside a church in Mahlabatsini, Manzini. Posing as individuals searching for rental accommodation, they asked a child to fetch his father. When Dlamini stepped outside, they shot him. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
On June 9, 2022, the accused allegedly stormed the home of Bonginkhosi Fana Ndzinisa. They reportedly ordered his father, Fanalakhe, to hand over his licensed 9mm Browning pistol, assaulting him in the process.
Indictment
The indictment stated that they accused the family of aligning with the military, saying, "Nine nikhetsa emasotja nifuna ashaye bani?" (loosely translated as "You side with the soldiers, who do you want them to assault?").
The accused allegedly attempted to force Bonginkhosi to douse their house with petrol and set it alight.
When he refused, it is said they instead torched his father’s car before fleeding the scene. On July 6, 2022, two game rangers, Khayelihle Zwane and Richard Ngwenya, were patrolling a farm when they encountered two armed men. The attackers claimed they were looking for cattle before drawing their weapons and opening fire. Zwane managed to escape and alert a colleague, but Ngwenya was shot dead. His R1 rifle and ammunition were stolen.
On August 10, 2022, Mabuyakhulu and Sihlongonyane allegedly assaulted the headteacher of Nyakatfo High, accusing him of defying orders from their commander to close the school. Armed with 9mm pistols, they reportedly pushed him around, before storming a nearby house where other teachers, a student electrician, and a security guard were gathered. The group was tortured and threatened with death.
Kidnapped
The accused allegedly kidnapped the headteacher and stole a Huawei Y6 cellphone valued at E2 500.
On August 12, 2022, at a Mthembu family homestead in Ngculwini, the accused allegedly targeted Thulani Mthembu, who was seated in a parked Toyota van. They reportedly shouted his name before firing multiple shots at him, also shooting towards a group of bystanders. Thulani later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
On September 24, 2022, the accused allegedly carried out a violent armed robbery at Mbuso Khoza’s shop and bar.
They made off with E9 000 in cash, a Samsung J2 Core cellphone valued at E1 700, a case of Milk Stout beer, and J&B Whisky worth E600, bringing the total loss to E11 564.
Patrons inside the shop were reportedly assaulted with snooker sticks and firearms. The accused also attempted to hijack two vehicles but were unsuccessful.
The prosecution further indicated that on September 29, 2022, Muzi Mngometulu was inside his vehicle when he noticed two men approaching his home. They claimed they were from Siphambanweni and were looking for assistance with a sick child.
It is said when Muzi’s mother came outside, she was shot at point-blank range. The assailants allegedly taunted her, saying, "Wena….., kadze solo sikufuna. How many people have you killed?" before fleeing.
On October 11, 2022, the accused persons allegedly targeted an MTN shop in Mathangeni. They held shop attendants at gunpoint and stole E1 040 in cash, a handbag, and multiple cellphones.
The indictment further indicated that on October 18, 2022, the accused allegedly ambushed two traffic police along Grand Valley road. Officer Sonnyboy Dlamini was standing near a police van, armed with an R4 rifle, while his colleague Irvin Mthembu was on foot.
The attackers allegedly disarmed Sonnyboy, forced the officers to lie down, and shot at them before fleeing in a getaway vehicle.
On November 4, 2022, Mbongiseni Mthayi Dlamini, a correctional officer, was found dead in Lwandle. His body had gunshot wounds, and at the time of his murder, he was dressed in his official uniform.
According to the prosecution, the accused later pointed out the stolen R1 and R4 rifles at Egebeni in the Manzini region and a pistol at Sidvokodvo.
By amending the indictment to include Kunene as the alleged mastermind behind these crimes, the prosecution aims to hold him accountable for his role in directing the accused.
Hlophe maintains that his leadership of the Solidarity Forces makes him equally culpable for the murders, robberies, and acts of arson committed by his co-accused.