Married Woman Scams Ex-Lover Out of $29,000 for Care of Imaginary Child

A married woman from eSwatini, Babongile Mkhonta Mkhonta, 35, has been arrested for allegedly receiving maintenance payments for a child that does not exist.

Mkhonta is accused of collecting a total of E574,442 (around USD 29,600) over five years from her former partner, Sihle Ndlovu, who believed he was financially supporting their child.

Mkhonta firmly denied the allegations, claiming, “Ndlovu voluntarily sent me the money electronically.”

According to reports from the Times of Swaziland, Ndlovu reportedly paid E5,000 (approximately USD 260) per month, totaling E300,000 (about USD 15,500) over the five years.

He also covered additional expenses amounting to E274,442 (around 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. She was summoned to court to present the child but failed to do so.

Mkhonta was apprehended by the Manzini police on October 10, 2024, and charged with theft by false pretenses. Initially released on her own recognizance, she was rearrested for not complying with the court order to bring 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,” Mkhonta stated in her bail papers.

Mkhonta, who is now married to another man, stated that she has a solid defense, saying,  “I never made any representations to Ndlovu for child support.” She insisted that Ndlovu voluntarily sent her money during their relationship.

Alongside her legal issues, Mkhonta expressed concerns about the conditions at the Mawelawela Women’s Correctional Services facility, characterizing it as overcrowded and lacking proper ventilation.

She also highlighted her need for medical treatment in Durban, South Africa.

Her bail application is currently being considered by Judge Nkosinathi Maseko while the case awaits transfer to the High Court.