Mbabane – While appealing fraud convictions arising from similar allegations, Kenton Irvin Mbatsana has been hauled back before the court on six fresh counts of theft by false pretences, with prosecutors accusing him of using fake payment notifications to obtain Bushfire tickets, an iPhone, cash, fuel and taxi services without paying.
Kenton Irvin Mbatsana appeared before Magistrate C. Thwala and was remanded in custody until June 15, pending the setting of a trial date before a senior magistrate. He is represented by attorney Sivesonkhe Ngwenya.
According to the charge sheet, Mbatsana allegedly carried out a series of transactions between May 18 and June 7, 2026, in and around Mbabane, using what prosecutors claim were fake Nedbank proof-of-payment notifications and other fraudulent payment alerts.
The allegations bear similarities to offences for which he has already been convicted and is currently pursuing an appeal.
In the first count, prosecutors allege that on May 18, at the Mbabane Corporation Area, Mbatsana misrepresented to Thembeka Gamedze that he would purchase MTN Bushfire tickets valued at E8,000. It is alleged that he produced a fake proof of payment and obtained the tickets without paying.
A second charge relates to an incident on May 24 at Mangwaneni, where he allegedly claimed to be purchasing an iPhone 15 from Mehluko Mahlindza for E8,700. Prosecutors allege that he sent a fake Nedbank proof of payment and took possession of the device.
Court documents further state that on June 6, at Msunduza, he allegedly borrowed E3,000 from Ginile Mnisi and later sent a fake Nedbank proof of payment instead of repaying the money.
In another count, prosecutors allege that on May 30, at Mahwalala, he sold fake MTN Bushfire tickets worth E2,000 to Carol Seabra.
The fifth charge stems from an incident on May 31 at Nkoyoyo, where Mbatsana allegedly hired a taxi operated by Sikelela Mamba for E600 and sent a fake eWallet SMS as proof of payment.
The final count relates to an incident on June 7 at the Mbabane Total Garage. Prosecutors allege that he obtained fuel worth E200 using a fake coupon. He allegedly left his passport behind as security and never returned to settle the account.
Investigators contend that the accused repeatedly relied on fraudulent payment notifications to convince victims that funds had been transferred when, in fact, no money was received.
The matter has been postponed to June 15 for further proceedings and the allocation of a trial date.
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