Mbabane – A 27-year-old boutique sales assistant has approached the High Court for bail after being hit with 75 criminal counts for allegedly running a massive cross-regional cybercrime syndicate that siphoned E352,275 from bank accounts.
Gcinile Faith Shongwe, an employee at Glam Tres hair braiding shop in Manzini, filed an urgent bail application yesterday through her legal team, M.V. Dlamini Attorneys. Shongwe claims she is an innocent victim who was dragged into the cyber fraud ring simply by agreeing to help an acquaintance cash out a WhatsApp money transfer.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Fakazi Mngomezulu, has formally filed a notice of intention to oppose her release.
The state’s massive indictment details an elaborate phishing operation spanning from late 2025 into early 2026 across Mbabane, Manzini, Matsapha, Pigg’s Peak, and Big Bend.
Shongwe is charged under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022 and the Prevention of Organized Crime Act (POCA) of 2018. The prosecution alleges that she and co-accused individuals operated as a criminal gang, contacting bank customers, falsely informing them that their accounts had been hacked, and tricking them into surrendering their digital banking credentials.
In one single count, the syndicate allegedly cleared E267,500 from a cellular telephone account belonging to Lungile Dlamini. Other victims include Dr. Noah Nhleko, Gladeys Mahlalela, and several others who lost amounts ranging from E500 to E19,900.
In her defense affidavit, Shongwe maintained she has a completely valid explanation for the state’s evidence. She stated that early this year, an acquaintance named Bonginkosi Matsenjwa sent her a “Unayo” mobile banking voucher via WhatsApp because her workplace was situated close to automated teller machines.
She withdrew the E1,200 voucher and physically handed the cash to Matsenjwa when he arrived at her shop . Shongwe argued she had no idea the voucher was tied to a wider banking fraud ring until her sudden arrest by the Manzini Fraud Police Department.
“Had it not been for the text message that I was sent to withdraw money, I would not have been charged,” Shongwe stated, noting that Matsenjwa, Lindelwa Mbingo, and Sibusiso Vilane face identical charges.
Arguing for her urgent release from Mawelawela Correctional Services, her attorney Maqhawe Dlamini stated that Shongwe is a sickly individual whose health will severely decline under standard prison conditions and diet.
The defense also noted that her continuous detention has left her two children, aged three and ten, completely unattended. Shongwe has undertaken to fully comply with all bail conditions, maintain her innocence during trial, and avoid any contact with state witnesses.
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