BHANTSHANA STILL OUT ON BAIL, 8 YEARS LATER

MBABANE – Once popular Chief Government Vehicle Inspector Vincent Vivian Gwebu, widely known as Bhantshana, is still out on bail – eight years later.

The retired civil servant’s contempt of court case has been a non-starter. Gwebu, who was a controversial but likeable figure, retired in 2016 from the civil service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 and was replaced by Samuel Magagula, who is also on retirement now. During his years in office, his service to government was very controversial for being a no-nonsense vehicle who nabbed even senior public officials for abusing government vehicles.

This, in 2014, saw him spending nine days in jail but later released on bail after he was arrested and charged with contempt of court. This happened after he arrested and charged former High Court Judge Esther Ota’s chauffeur for abusing a government vehicle. At that time, the judge was in the car.
Following his arrest, Gwebu applied for bail but the State, represented by Advocate Norman Kades, opposed the application on the basis that he was a flight risk.

However, he was subsequently released on bail and his matter has been pending since. His case resulted in the infamous jailing of The Nation Magazine Editor Bheki Makhubu and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko who both wrote articles criticising the judiciary for its handling of Gwebu’s matter. Worth noting is that the main witness in Gwebu’s case is former Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, who is now late.  

Police

Speaking to Eswatini News, Gwebu said he was still waiting for the High Court to summon him concerning his case, as he was still reporting to the Manzini Police Station one day every month. “I am supposed to visit the Manzini Police Station to report every month as per the dictates of the order of court when I was granted E15 000 bail in 2014. I spend over E70 a month in travelling expenses to and from Manzini, from my home at Bulunga and that has affected me greatly as you know I am old and on retirement now,” said Gwebu. Before being employed as Chief Government Vehicle Inspector, Gwebu was a police officer from 1975 to 1991. Gwebu pointed out that he would not stop his monthly reporting to the police station as he would never disrespect the law.

Political

Another notable person who has experienced the same fate is political activist and the People’s United Democratic Movement’s (PUDEMO) member, Mphandlana Shongwe. After 13 years of uncertainty and being out on bail, renowned Shongwe recently appeared at the High court for indictment.
According to a roll that has been issued by the registrar of the High Court, Shongwe’s matter will be heard by Judge Nkosinathi Maseko during the first session. The chief justice has determined the period between January 24 and April 29, 2022, to be the dates for the first session of the sitting of the High Court. The political activist stands accused of having contravened the Suppression of Terrorism Act in 2009.

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