PUBLIC WANTS TO KNOW IF SIPHO IS GUILTY OR NOT – JUDGE

MBABANE – The extradition request for Sipho Shongwe to the Republic of South Africa while he faces a murder charge in the country does not sit well with Judge Sipho Nkosi.

The judge made this known on Thursday during the continuation of Shongwe’s bail hearing at the High Court.
Shongwe has been charged with the murder of businessman Victor Gamedze while in South Africa he is wanted for escaping from lawful custody, forgery and uttering.

Shongwe and the Crown made submissions on whether or not he was released from Barberton Maximum Prison using fraudulent documents.

Judge Nkosi wanted to determine if Shongwe’s release was lawful and if so, the court would continue to hear his bail application and if not, he would not be granted bail.

After the parties made their submissions, Judge Nkosi said he would make a ruling on the nature of Shongwe’s release from prison next Friday.  The Crown is, however, adamant that the judge does not have jurisdiction to determine whether Shongwe escaped.

While Shongwe fights for his freedom in the country, the Hawks in neighbouring South Africa are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding his release from Barberton Maximum Prison, allegedly on parole, where he was serving a life sentence.
South Africa has made a request for Shongwe to be extradited to that country to answer on allegations that he escaped from prison in 2008. The extradition hearing is pending before Manzini Principal Magistrate, David Khumalo.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: