Man arrested in connection with alleged kidnapping, murder of 8-year-old girl

By Thokozani Mazibuko

Police in Sihlutse have arrested a man of Tibondzeni, who was wanted in connection with the alleged kidnapping and brutal murder of eight-year-old Tifezile Gwebu of Siguduma in the Jericho area.

The man (his name has been withheld for ethical reasons) was apprehended early this morning at around 06:30 at his homestead after community members spotted him walking towards his residence and alerted authorities.

The suspect had been on the run since May 21, 2025, the day Tifezile was abducted while returning from a local shop with friends. Her disappearance prompted an intensive search, which ended in tragedy when her mutilated body was discovered days later at the suspect’s homestead.

The incident sent shockwaves throughout the community and triggered a wide-scale manhunt.

According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service statement, officers from the Jericho Police Post responded swiftly after receiving the tip-off from a vigilant resident.

Working closely with members of the Tibondzeni community, police organised a coordinated operation that led to the successful arrest of the suspect without incident.

The man is currently in police custody and due processes, including further investigations and court preparations, are underway.

The police have commended the Tibondzeni community for their alertness and cooperation, stating that the arrest demonstrates the power of partnership policing.

They emphasised that combating crime requires close collaboration between law enforcement and the public, as communities play a crucial role in providing timely information that can help prevent or solve serious offences.