MBABANE — An employee of the Eswatini Television Authority, Patience Magagula, has been arrested for fraud totaling E104,051.77, following allegations of producing fake property documents to mislead two companies.
Magagula, who works as a sub-editor for various programmes at the national broadcaster, allegedly misrepresented herself to Swaziland Property Market (Proprietary) Limited by presenting a fraudulent memorandum of agreement of lease as proof of ownership of house 1787 at Makholokholo township. The company reportedly suffered a loss of E49,000 due to the deception.
She is further accused of misrepresenting herself to the Eswatini Water Services Corporation using the same forged document, causing an additional loss of E55,051.77.
Appearing before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Magagula was charged with two counts of fraud. She informed the court of her intention to plead not guilty, maintaining her innocence and requesting bail.
In her plea for release, Magagula stated that continued detention could cost her her job at Eswatini Television. She also told the court she is a mother of four and the sole provider for her children’s maintenance and schooling expenses.
