WITNESSES RECEIVE THREATS FROM UNKNOWN PEOPLE

MBABANE – Witnesses in the case of the two men who are accused of terrorism and burning of property, have allegedly received threats from unknown people.

The accused are Simanga Sigwili Vilakati (37) of KaNdinda and Thandokuhle Dlamini (39) of Ezulwini. This was revealed by Advocate Naomi Manaka, who is representing the Crown in the matter. Advocate Manaka informed the court that the Crown had received information from the investigating officers to the effect that, key witnesses in the matter received threats from unknown people over the weekend.

Worth noting is that the matter was due for trial yesterday, however, it was postponed at the instance of the defence. The Crown viewed the threats as a delaying tactic, which was aimed at causing fear to the witnesses.  “This is the oldest trick in the book to have the witnesses tired and threatened,” said Advocate Manaka.

Result

She submitted that threatening the witnesses might result in the disappearing or refusing to testify in their matter, leading to the acquittal of the accused persons. Manaka, therefore, applied for the protection of the witnesses. “We humbly apply that the identities and addresses of the witnesses should not be published in the newspapers and social media,” she submitted. However, in response to the allegations made by the Crown, Lawyer Maxwell Nkambule, who is representing the duo, stated that his clients were not aware of any threats against anyone.
He submitted that his clients had not even seen the statements. Without arguing further, Nkambule said: “We leave everything in the hands of the court since my clients are not aware of the threats.” Judge Nkosinathi Maseko ordered that the identities and addresses of the witnesses should not be published in the newspapers and social media.

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