MASTER’S OFFICE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY START DATE SET

MBABANE - The first sitting of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set to investigate operations and alleged corrupt practices in the office of the master of the High Court, will start tomorrow.

This was announced by the Secretary of the commission, Siphiwo Nyoni, yesterday. Nyoni also added that members of the public who were eager to come and observe and/or listen to the proceedings were free to do so, as same was open to the public. She announced that the first matter would be heard by the commission at 10am tomorrow.  

Different

Nyoni also highlighted that the commission would soon be issuing a schedule of when it would be visiting the different regions to take submissions. She, however, urged those in the regions who have means to come to Mbabane, where the commission would be currently having its sittings, to do so. The commission will conduct its duties at the Industrial Court of Appeal premises, 4th Floor Intfutfuko Building in Mbabane. Intfutfuko Building is situated at the corner of Gwamile and Dabede Streets in Mbabane, where First Finance Offices are housed. The secretary urged members of the public who wanted to make arrangements for oral or written submissions to contact her at 7606 3592.  Calls can be made from 8am-5pm, from Monday to Friday.

The commission, which is headed by Supreme Court Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini, is made up of five judges. Other members of the commission are, High Court Judge Mzwandile Fakudze (Deputy Chairperson) Industrial Court Judge President Sifiso Nsibande. High Court Judge Maxine Langwenya, Industrial Court Judge Lorraine Hlophe and its secretary is Deputy Supreme Court Registrar Nyoni, who is also a lawyer by profession. The commission, as per its terms of reference, is expected to submit its report within 90 days.

Necessary

“The commission may, if necessary, investigate and make findings and recommendations on any other matter regarding the master of the High Court, regardless of when it is alleged to have occurred, on condition that such other investigations, findings and recommendations do not cause any delay in the submission of the report,” reads part of the commission’s terms of reference. It will have powers to determine its own rules of procedures for the effective fulfillment of its mandate. The terms of reference for the commission provide that any persons who will procure or attempts to give false evidence before the commission shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding E1 000 or in default of payment thereof, imprisonment not exceeding six months. The terms of reference further stipulate that a witness before the commission shall take an oath or make affirmation in the form in use at the magistrates court. The chairperson of the commission will be the one who will administer the oath or accept the affirmation.

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