Married Woman Swindles Ex-Lover $29,000 Claiming Child Support for a Non-Existent Child!
A married woman from eSwatini, Babongile Mkhonta Mkhonta, 35, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding her former lover, Sihle Ndlovu, of maintenance payments for a nonexistent child. Mkhonta reportedly collected E574,442 (approximately USD 29,600) over five years, during which Ndlovu believed he was financially supporting their child.
Mkhonta defiantly denied the charges, claiming, “Ndlovu voluntarily sent me the money electronically.”
Reports from the Times of Swaziland indicate that Ndlovu paid E5,000 (approximately USD 260) each month, totaling E300,000 (approximately USD 15,500) over the five years, in addition to covering other expenses amounting to E274,442 (approximately USD 14,100).
Her arrest followed a police investigation that revealed the child she had introduced to Ndlovu’s family in 2022 did not exist. When summoned to court to present the child, she failed to do so.
Mkhonta was taken into custody by the Manzini police on October 10, 2024, and charged with theft by false pretenses. Although initially released on her own recognizance, she was rearrested for not complying with a court order to provide evidence of the alleged child.
“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 stated in her bail application.
Currently married to another man, Mkhonta insists she has a solid defense, claiming, “I never asked Ndlovu for child support.” She maintains that he willingly sent her money while they were together.
Alongside her legal issues, Mkhonta expressed concerns about the conditions at the Mawelawela Women’s Correctional Services facility, describing it as overcrowded and poorly ventilated. She also mentioned needing medical treatment in Durban, South Africa.
Her bail application is under review by Judge Nkosinathi Maseko as the case prepares to move to the High Court.
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