Manzini– Two Mozambican nationals appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court on Monday facing charges of theft by false pretences and fraud after allegedly attempting to defraud members of the public through a fake platinum deal.
The accused, Jose Manuel Uabisse (44) and Custodio Artur Wamusi (38), both of Fairview, are facing two counts arising from separate incidents in which they allegedly presented fake precious mineral deals to potential victims.
According to the charge sheet, Uabisse is accused of theft by false pretences after he allegedly obtained E28 000 from Nkosinathi Mthupha of Ngwane Park on July 18, 2026.
It is alleged that Uabisse approached Mthupha at Dubai Mall in Manzini and falsely represented that he would sell him platinum, despite allegedly knowing that the claim was not true.
The court papers state that Mthupha handed over E20 000 in cash and two cellphones valued at E8 000 after being convinced that he would receive the precious mineral in return.
The accused allegedly disappeared after receiving the money and cellphones, resulting in Mthupha reporting the matter to the police.
In the second count, Uabisse and Wamusi are jointly charged with fraud for allegedly attempting to obtain E150 000 from Sazile Boy Dludlu of Ngwane Park.
The charge sheet alleges that on July 24, 2026, in Manzini, the two allegedly produced a fake platinum bar and presented it as genuine in an attempt to induce Dludlu to pay E150 000.
The State alleges that the accused acted unlawfully and intentionally, knowing that the mineral bar was not authentic, with the intention of causing financial prejudice to the complainant.
The two appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court and were formally charged. The matter was postponed, with the accused remaining subject to further court proceedings.
The case comes after reports of a platinum scam in which a Ngwane Park resident allegedly lost E27 000 after being lured into a similar deal. Police have previously warned members of the public to exercise caution when approached with offers involving precious minerals and quick financial returns.
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