Mbabane – A 47-year-old man from Mncitsini has been sentenced to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine after being convicted of housebreaking with intent to steal.
Mxolisi Memeza Nhleko was sentenced by the Mbabane Magistrates Court following an incident that occurred on or about December 25 2025 at Mncitsini Mbazima. He was found guilty of unlawfully breaking into the home of Jabulani Nhleko.
According to court records, the accused forcefully entered the complainant’s house and stole property valued at E2620. The items taken included a bathroom door valued at E700, a 9kg gas cylinder worth E375, a pick axe valued at E345 and cash amounting to E1200.
During trial, the Crown led evidence from a police officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Department at Mbabane Police Station. The officer told the court that he was assigned to investigate the case and that his inquiries led him to the accused as the main suspect.
The officer testified that investigations revealed that Nhleko had been seen carrying the stolen bathroom door and later sold some of the items to a Mozambican woman. Upon arrest, the accused was cautioned and charged before being detained at the police cells near Mbabane Government Hospital.
The court also heard that the accused sold part of the stolen property and used the proceeds to buy alcohol and food. Evidence showed that he had no permission to enter the complainant’s homestead or remove any of the items.
After the Crown closed its case, Nhleko chose not to dispute the evidence or present a defence. The court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ruled that the accused unlawfully broke into the complainant’s house and stole the listed items.
In mitigation, the court considered the seriousness of housebreaking, noting that such offences threaten community safety and violate the privacy of people’s homes. The court also noted that similar crimes are common and require sentences that deter would be offenders.
Nhleko was sentenced to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine and was informed of his right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days.
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