Mbabane – A 30-year-old man who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence after admitting to a gambling addiction has reappeared in court on a fresh charge of theft by false pretences, just months after his conviction.
Ivan Vuyo Mbatsana appeared before Magistrate C. Thwala at the Mbabane Magistrates Court in Mbabane, where he faced allegations of fraudulently obtaining fuel valued at E1 300.
According to the charge sheet, Mbatsana allegedly committed the offence on March 12, 2026, at a Puma Filling Station. It is alleged that he sent a fraudulent FNB electronic funds transfer (EFT) confirmation to Yamin Kakana as proof of payment.
Acting on the purported proof, the complainant reportedly released the fuel, only to later discover that no payment had been made.
The court ordered Mbatsana to compensate the complainant. He was further fined E2 000 or one year imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for three years.
Mbatsana is currently serving a five-year sentence without the option of a fine following a previous conviction for theft by false pretences, where he admitted that his actions were driven by losses incurred through gambling.
Mbatsana had earlier pleaded guilty to defrauding Mbabane Ruchi Cash & Carry of over E50 000 after presenting a fake bank proof of payment to obtain goods. During sentencing in that matter, he told the court that he was addicted to gambling and had committed the offence in an attempt to recover his losses.
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