MBABANE – A former Sappi Usutu employee, Musa Zwane, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after spending E67,590.32 that was mistakenly deposited into his bank account.
Zwane appeared before Magistrate Sfiso Vilakati on 15 July 2025 to answer for theft charges after funds meant for another ex-employee, Stanley Mhone, were paid into his account. The court heard the mistake occurred in November 2023 when compensation money for Mhone was accidentally transferred to Zwane due to incorrect banking details.
Records presented before the court showed Zwane received E24,131.51, which was his correct payout, along with the extra E67,590.32 on the same day. Mhone, meanwhile, did not receive his compensation.
The error was discovered following inquiries by Mjoki Dlamini, which led to an internal investigation. By then, Zwane had already withdrawn the full amount.
During a meeting called to resolve the issue, Zwane admitted he had used the money, claiming he believed it was part of his pending payments. Despite being made aware of the mistake, Zwane refused to return the funds, prompting the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to take legal action.
The court noted Zwane made no effort to reimburse the money after receiving it in October 2023 and that Mhone still had not been paid. Magistrate Vilakati sentenced Zwane to three years in jail without the option of a fine, suspending eight months on condition that Zwane pays E15,000 back to the Ministry.
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