A pastor was arrested after four bodies were discovered near his church.

Eswatini: Horror in Matsapha, a pastor arrested after the discovery of 4 decomposing bodies near his church

A case worthy of a horror film is currently shaking Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). A religious leader, meant to guide his followers, now finds himself at the heart of a sordid serial murder scandal. An entire community is plunged into shock and terror.

Local police have arrested a pastor suspected of being linked to the disappearance and alleged murder of several women. This arrest follows a gruesome discovery: four bodies in an advanced state of decomposition were found in the immediate vicinity of his church.

The suspect was quickly identified as Pastor Nkosingiphile Zwane, also known as Mphile Zwane. He is the leader of the renowned Apostolic Faith Church, located in the Matsapha region.

According to initial findings of the investigation, the pastor's modus operandi was well-rehearsed. Authorities accuse him of actively using social media, and particularly Facebook, to lure his victims. The alleged predator promised them the moon and the stars: serious romantic relationships or lucrative job opportunities to ensnare them.

The investigation truly took a turn thanks to the vigilance of internet users. Crucial information shared by the local Facebook page Mufasa Eswatini revealed that Bongiwe (Phethiwe) Mkhonta, a 29-year-old woman who had been reported missing, was last seen in the company of the pastor. She had not been heard from since June 15, 2026, the day she left her home for a business trip to Matsapha.

Taken seriously by law enforcement, this lead led directly to the suspect. During his interrogation, Pastor Zwane himself directed investigators to a shallow ditch in Mfabantfu, a stone's throw from his place of worship. It was at this precise location that the police made the gruesome discovery of the four decomposing bodies.

To date, authorities have officially confirmed that the body of young Bongiwe Mkhonta was among the victims. Analyses are still underway to formally identify the three other bodies and determine the exact circumstances of their deaths.

Shock quickly turned to anger in Eswatini, where calls for justice are multiplying in the face of the horror. Following his arrest, Pastor Zwane appeared before the court of first instance. He now faces serious charges, including rape and murder.

Although the case is ongoing and the accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty, there is widespread outrage across the country. Meanwhile, investigators continue to delve into the pastor's past to determine if there are other victims and urge anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.