Malkerns Police have arrested a 37 year old man from Ndinda in connection with a rape case involving his teenage stepdaughter, following a breakthrough by the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
The suspect was apprehended on January 2, 2026, at about 1400 hours after weeks on the run. He is accused of sexually abusing his 17 year old stepdaughter from Timbutini over a period of nearly two years while the family was living in Lobamba Lomdzala.
Police reports indicate that the girl had been staying with her mother at a rented house in the area and was allegedly targeted whenever her mother was away at work. As a result of the alleged abuse, the teenager fell pregnant and later gave birth to a child who is expected to turn two years old in February.
The matter only came to light after the pregnancy, when the victim disclosed the abuse to her mother. Police say the reports were dismissed, with the mother allegedly threatening to chase the girl away instead of reporting the matter.
On December 12, 2025, the victim sought help from a woman living in the same compound, who believed her and immediately accompanied her to a police station to open a case. After learning that a report had been made, the suspect reportedly fled the area to evade arrest.
He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear before the Manzini Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 5, 2026. Investigations are continuing and police have indicated that the victim’s mother is also expected to face charges.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service has warned members of the public against concealing abuse, particularly cases involving minors, reminding Emaswati that knowingly hiding such crimes is a criminal offence.
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