22/03/2026
STANDARD BANK EMPLOYEES ARRESTED OVER E2 MILLION THEFT
By Nokwanda Mamba
, 22 March 2026
MBABANE: Police have made a major breakthrough in the theft of E2 million at Standard Bank, arresting two employees in connection with the incidents. The arrests were carried out on separate occasions on Thursday.
This follows two separate theft cases reported at the Manzini branch towards the end of 2025. The suspects have been identified as Linda Stewart (44), an employee responsible for refilling Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and Mxolisi Mavuso (44) of Jubela.
According to the Eswatini Observer, Stewart was apprehended at his home in Sidzakeni, near Mankayane, shortly after 10am, while Mavuso was arrested around Manzini at about the same time on the same day.
The arrests were confirmed by Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni. Both suspects were taken to Manzini Police Station, where they were detained and charged separately in connection with their respective offences.
Police revealed that the suspects had been on the run for approximately three months after being identified as persons of interest in December 2025. Stewart is accused of allegedly taking money meant for ATMs on different dates, from April 2023 until the theft was uncovered on December 6, 2025.
The theft reportedly came to light during an internal audit conducted by the bank, which discovered discrepancies in cash refilled at selected ATMs around Manzini. Stewart, who was the custodian of the funds, emerged as the prime suspect, leading the bank to open a criminal case.
A bank manager further alleged that the money was stolen from various ATMs across Manzini over an extended period. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.