A 23-year-old man, Sbongiseni Chauke, appeared in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, facing charges of house robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.

Chauke was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 15 November 2025, at around 04:30 in Allemansdrift D. Police officers were responding to a house robbery reported earlier that morning at approximately 02:00 in the same area.

While travelling to the scene, officers spotted four males jumping fences. At that moment, the complainant, who happened to be driving past, stopped to inform police that the men matched the clothing description of the robbers who had just attacked his home.

Police immediately pursued the suspects on foot. During the chase, one suspect threw a maroon school bag to the ground. Officers apprehended him shortly afterwards.

Upon returning to the spot where the bag was discarded, police searched it and recovered the following items:
• A 7.65 calibre firearm with a serial number partially filed off
• A magazine containing one live round
• A Retay Mod 9mm pistol with a magazine (replica firearm)
• Housebreaking implements
• A blue balaclava
• Two mobile phones

All items were confiscated as evidence. The suspect was unable to provide legal documentation for the firearms.

Chauke appeared in court on 17 November 2025 and was remanded in custody until 21 November 2025, when he is expected to submit a formal bail application.

The recovered firearms will undergo forensic ballistic testing to determine whether they are linked to any other crimes.