Times Of Swaziland: JUSTICE SYSTEM IN SD INSTILS FEAR – SENATORS

JUSTICE SYSTEM IN SD INSTILS FEAR – SENATORS
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BY NONTOBEKO TSHABALALA on 21/03/2014 03:14:00


LOBAMBA – The Human Rights Commission has been asked by Senators to take a
stand on issues of prolonged detention.
During the Ministry of Justice Portfolio Committee budget debate yesterday,
senators said the way the kingdom’s justice system was operating of late
instilled fear in the hearts of Swazi citizens.
Senator Chief Kusa said he feared that the country seemed to be moving backwards
on issues of human rights and requested the Human Rights Commission to pronounce
itself on these matters.
Meanwhile, Senator Meninjeni Mahlalela said the problem with overcrowding in
Swaziland’s correctional facilities could be alleviated by matters being
brought before court quickly.
“The ministry should try to ensure that everyone with a pending court case be
quickly brought to court so it can be dealt with. Staying in custody for a long
time without knowing your fate is enough to kill you. The costs attached to that
end up being so much yet the charge is so small. Why has this become the norm?
Has it been found that speedy trials are ineffective?” the senator asked.
respected
Justice Minister Sibusiso Shongwe said courts had to be respected in Swaziland
the same way they were respected in the rest of the world and no one had the
right to speak recklessly about the judicial system especially on matters that
were sub judice (under judicial deliberation)
“The issue of detention is a hot topic these days but it is important to know
that one cannot speak anyhow about the courts and the court has the power to
take action against anyone who shows it disrespect.
What is happening in the country is lawful and Swaziland will never prosper if
people are not disciplined. I always say that with power comes
responsibility,” the minister said.