Mbabane – A South African national described by police as a known cattle rustler has been linked to the alleged theft of 13 cattle from Nkofeni, which were recovered at a homestead in South Africa a week after they went missing.
The cattle were recovered on October 14, 2026, following investigations by Nhlangano police, with assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community policing forums from both countries.
According to police, the cattle were stolen from a homestead at Nkofeni on October 7 at around 6am. The owner discovered that the animals were missing from the kraal and reported the matter at Nhlangano Police Station.
Investigations allegedly established that the cattle had been driven across the border into South Africa, where they were eventually found at a homestead in Paul Pietermaritzburg.
Police further alleged that the suspect had previously stolen cattle from a family in Dumbe, South Africa. When he was caught, he reportedly pleaded for leniency and promised to replace the animals, asking for more time.
However, police said it later emerged that he had allegedly used that time to steal cattle from Eswatini to replace those he had stolen in South Africa.
The recovered herd returned with an additional calf after one of the cows gave birth while in South Africa, bringing the total number of cattle to 14.
Police attributed the recovery to cooperation between the police services and community policing forums in Eswatini and South Africa.
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