Married Woman Dupes Ex-Lover of USD29 000 In Maintenance For Non-Existent Child

USD 29 000 Maintenance Scandal: Woman Arrested For Defrauding Ex-Lover

A married woman from eSwatinie has been arrested for allegedly receiving maintenance money for a child that never existed. The woman, Babongile Mkhonta Mkhonta, 35, reportedly collected a total of E574,442 (approx. USD 29,600) over five years from her former lover, Sihle Ndlovu, who believed he was supporting their child.

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“I Never Stole the Money”

However, a defiant Mkhonta denied stealing the money, stating,

“Ndlovu voluntarily sent me the money electronically.”

The Times of Swaziland reports that Ndlovu is said to have paid E5,000 (approx. USD 260) per month, accumulating E300,000 (approx. USD 15,500) over five years. In addition, he covered other expenses amounting to E274,442 (approx. USD 14,100).

Mkhonta’s arrest came after a police investigation revealed that the child she had shown Ndlovu’s family in 2022 did not exist. She was summoned to bring the child to court but failed to do so.

Arrest and Court Appearance

Mkhonta was arrested by Manzini police on 10 October 2024 and charged with theft by false pretences. She was released on her own recognisance but was rearrested after failing to bring the alleged child to court as ordered.

Mkhonta told the court that she had been questioned by police several times but maintained her innocence.

“I was arrested on the charge after I reported to the Manzini Police Station as instructed. But I never stole any money. Ndlovu voluntarily sent the funds during our relationship,” she said in her bail papers.

Mkhonta, who is married to another man, claimed that she has a strong defence. “I never made any representations to Ndlovu for child support,” she explained.

She stated that Ndlovu willingly sent her money while they were in a relationship.

Mkhonta complained about the conditions at the Mawelawela Women’s Correctional Services facility, stating that it was overcrowded and poorly ventilated. She also mentioned that she requires medical treatment in Durban, South Africa.

Her bail application is currently under review by Judge Nkosinathi Maseko as the case awaits committal to the High Court.

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