Mbabane – X Win local directors Nqobile Mncina of Makholokholo and Ntuthuko Fakudze of Mangwaneni have been remanded in custody until April 10 after appearing before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges linked to an alleged illegal gambling operation.
The two were found in possession of US$593,355.55, approximately E10.94 million, during an incident at the Woodlands in the Hhohho Region. The State alleges the money is linked to unlawful activities.
According to the charge sheet, the pair face five counts. These include contravening Section 4(1)(c)(i) as read with Sections 76 and 89(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act No. 6 of 2011 (as amended). It is alleged that between the month of March and April 2026, at Woodlands and Madlenya Building, they unlawfully acquired, possessed or used the funds knowing, or having reason to believe, that it was derived from offences under the Immigration Act and the Gaming Control Act.
They also face two counts under Section 3(1)(a) as read with Section 3(3) of the Gaming Control Act No. 7 of 2022. The State alleges that between February and March 2026, the accused engaged in gaming activities without a valid licence at premises in Woodlands and the Madlenya Building area.
A further charge relates to contravening Section 5(1)(a) as read with Section 5(2) of the Trading Licences Order of 1975. It is alleged that during the same period, they operated a gaming business without a valid licence or permit.
In addition, the accused face a charge under Section 14(2)(g) of the Immigration Act No. 17 of 1982. The State alleges that between February and March 2026, they unlawfully employed several foreign nationals from countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and India without the required permits or authorisation.
The matter is expected to expand, with prosecutors indicating that other accused persons may be joined as investigations continue.
The arrests follow a police operation conducted on March 23, 2026 at the company’s premises at Madlenya House in Mbabane. During the operation, officers ordered employees to vacate the building and seized equipment including laptops, mobile devices and servers before cordoning off the premises.
In a separate urgent application filed at the High Court, XWIN (Proprietary) Limited challenged the police action, arguing that the closure of its business was unlawful. The company stated in court papers that it operates as a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) entity providing 24-hour call centre and technical support services for an international online gaming client, and not as a gambling operator.
The company further stated that it operates under a valid hire service licence and that the shutdown disrupted its operations, placing about 250 employees at risk of losing their jobs while exposing the business to financial losses under international agreements.
It also argued that police did not produce a search warrant before entering the premises and seizing equipment, and sought a court order for the immediate restoration of its business operations.
Mncina and Fakudze remain in custody as the case continues, with the matter remanded to April 10 for further proceedings.
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