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JUSTICE SYSTEM IN SD INSTILS FEAR – SENATORS

21/03/2014 03:14:00 BY NONTOBEKO TSHABALALA

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LOBAMBA – The Human Rights Commission has been asked by Senators to take a stand on issues of prolonged detention.
During the Ministry of Justice Portfolio Committee budget debate yesterday, senators said the way the kingdom’s justice system was operating of late instilled fear in the hearts of Swazi citizens.

Senator Chief Kusa said he feared that the country seemed to be moving backwards on issues of human rights and requested the Human Rights Commission to pronounce itself on these matters.
Meanwhile, Senator Meninjeni Mahlalela said the problem with overcrowding in Swaziland’s correctional facilities could be alleviated by matters being brought before court quickly.

“The ministry should try to ensure that everyone with a pending court case be quickly brought to court so it can be dealt with. Staying in custody for a long time without knowing your fate is enough to kill you. The costs attached to that end up being so much yet the charge is so small. Why has this become the norm? Has it been found that speedy trials are ineffective?” the senator asked.

respected

Justice Minister Sibusiso Shongwe said courts had to be respected in Swaziland the same way they were respected in the rest of the world and no one had the right to speak recklessly about the judicial system especially on matters that were sub judice (under judicial deliberation)
“The issue of detention is a hot topic these days but it is important to know that one cannot speak anyhow about the courts and the court has the power to take action against anyone who shows it disrespect.

What is happening in the country is lawful and Swaziland will never prosper if people are not disciplined. I always say that with power comes responsibility,” the minister said.

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Comments (4 posted):

Tanele on 21/03/2014 09:15:20

Thumb - up for Senator Chief Kusa, You are a real leader and you have the heart of the people. It is not about you but about the people. Nkhosi

Mfundo on 21/03/2014 10:15:11

Mr Minister uyakuphika yini kitsi the justice system, of late it's instilling fear instead of security emaSwatini. No freedom of expression in fear of bruising fragile egos.

Mwilla on 21/03/2014 11:03:31

with power comes responsilibity says d minister. If i may ask what kind of responsibilty does he talk about: that of wasting tax payers money feeding thoz in custody for no apparent reasons hencefortrh paying lawsuits for incarcerating ppl without profound facts.

Concerned on 21/03/2014 16:58:06

Well said senators! However, for the courts to be quick, the police (investigations) must be at par. The current crop of police is disappointing. I have had two break-ins at my home in the past 18 months, I reported both incidents. Up to now no one has been arrested for these crimes and not even one of the stolen items have been recovered, yet these people steal all sorts of things in a house, even furniture, not to mention appliances. Our police only excel in arresting drunk drivers. I have since realised that if you mention that the thieves stole a cell phone among the things stolen during the break-in, that's the end of investigations. Police will rely on MTN to trace that phone, and the thieves have learned this investigation technique. I remember the crop of CID's we use to have during Hillary's time, the Jomo's and Khethokwakhe's (RIPs)of this world. No stone was left unturned, and criminals were arrested.