Mbabane – Solani’s boss and property developer, Celucolo Manchester Nxumalo, 43, appeared at the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges on Wednesday.
Nxumalo from Sandla, Mbabane, faces five counts, including kidnapping, extortion, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, while two counts are of common assault.
Early on the day, Nxumalo appeared in court disguised and under police presence. He was wearing a white sweater and face mask. According to the charge sheet, the kidnapping incident allegedly occurred on 3 January 2026 near Mnyamatsini.
It is alleged that Nxumalo unlawfully and intentionally deprived Mncedisi Matsebula, an adult male, of his freedom by detaining him at Ekudzeni for about three hours against his will.
In the second count, Nxumalo is accused of extortion. The court heard that on the same day, at Ekudzeni in Manzini, the accused allegedly threatened Mncedisi Matsebula and inspired fear in him by saying he would torture and not release him unless he paid E15,000. It is alleged that the complainant paid the amount as a result of the threats.
The accused is further charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that on 3 January 2026 at Mnyamatsini, Nxumalo assaulted Mncedisi Matsebula using open hands, fists, and sticks.
In count four, Nxumalo is charged with common assault. The court heard that on the same day at or near the Bahai area, he allegedly assaulted Mtsamaya Manambitsa Dlamini by repeatedly slapping him on the face and manhandling him by his clothing.
The fifth count also relates to common assault. It is alleged that Nxumalo assaulted Mncedisi Matsebula by aggressively pushing him onto the tarmac twice at Mnyamatsini.
The defence told the court that Nxumalo is a Swazi national and a businessman who operates between Manzini and Mbabane. The court was informed that the accused surrendered himself to the police after learning that he was wanted, showing that he is not a flight risk.
The defence requested the court to release him on his own recognisance or, alternatively, grant bail in the amount of E3,000 given the nature of the charges he is facing.
After considering submissions from the defence, and noting that the bail application was not opposed by the Crown, the court granted the accused bail. The court stated that the nature of the charges and the accused’s decision to hand himself over to the police were taken into account.
Nxumalo was released on bail amounting to E3000, under the following conditions: he must not commit any offence while the matter is still pending before court, he must not interfere with the complainants, Mncedisi Matsebula and Mtsamaya Dlamini, or any state witnesses directly or indirectly; and he must attend court whenever required to do so.
The matter is expected to return to court on 3 February 2026 for trial.
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