MEDIA BARRED FROM THABANI’S DEATH INQUEST REGISTRATION

MANZINI - Will the inquest into the death of Thabani Nkomonye be public?

This is one of the questions that could cross one’s mind after learning that the media was barred from covering the registration process of people who wanted to make submissions regarding his death. Following a public notice that was issued by the Coroner, Senior Magistrate Nonhlanhla Dlamini, yesterday, whereby she informed the public that the inquest into the death of Thabani would commence yesterday, this publication was among other media houses that went to Matsapha Correctional facility to cover the registration process. In the notice, the coroner said anyone who might have information regarding Thabani’s death, was urged to register with the clerk between 9:30am and 2pm. She said members of the public could register in person at Matsapha Correctional facility or via WhatsApp at 7678 6080.

However, when this reporter arrived at the facility’s main gate, he was asked about his visit. In response, he said he was going to work at the inquest and was told to go to the Correctional facility’s college. Upon arrival at the college, an officer found there said he wanted to inform the relevant authorities. However, after a while, a call was made to Senior Superintendent Gugulethu Dlamini, who is the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS). She told this publication that they were still finalising something regarding the inquest. Later on, the HMCS mouthpiece said she was informed that for now, the media was not supposed to be there. She said they were still going to meet with the relevant stakeholders regarding the inquest.

Register

Afterwards, she said if this publication wanted an interview with the coroner, it should register like those who wanted to make submissions. The PRO was asked if the inquest would be public for the media to cover it when the public made submissions. She said she believed it would be public. On the other hand, Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini said the hearings would be public. He said any further details would be announced by the coroner.  This publication asked him why was the media not allowed to cover the registration process. In response, he said; “Hearings have not yet started. The coroner will duly provide a schedule for hearings and the necessary details. The hearings will be open to media coverage as this is a judicial process,” he said.

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