WANDERERS DISPUTE: JUDGE URGES DIALOGUE

MBABANE – “Have you ever discussed this as counsels?”

This question was posed by Judge Mbutfo Mamba, during the hearing of the ongoing relegation saga involving Manzini Wanderers and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), at the Supreme Court, yesterday. The PLE has approached this court seeking to prevent Judge Mumcy Dlamini from presiding over the contempt of court order filed by Wanderers. The matter, which was before the same judge last Friday, returned to court after Judge Mamba postponed it to yesterday to deliberate on whether to grant the PLE its request or not. The judge’s initial question, directed at the legal representatives of both the PLE and Wanderers—MLK Ndlangamandla Attorneys and SM Jele Attorneys, respectively—was whether they had met to discuss the issue.

“Did you ever discuss this matter outside of court, or are your pockets deep enough to sustain this financially draining process?” Mamba enquired. The PLE’s representative, Meluleki Ndlangamandla, revealed that they do engage in discussions about the issue when the opportunity arises. This sentiment was echoed by ‘Charlie’, representing the maroon and white giants. The judge explained that his enquiry stemmed from the delays in the case and the financial strain it impose on both parties. He cautioned that if he were to grant the PLE’s urgent application, the case might not be heard until next year, due to the full enrolment of the Supreme Court.

“The enrolment is managed by the court’s registrar in consultation with the chief justice,” he stated. He further advised the legal representatives to engage with their clients to seek a resolution, as they risk being caught in a perpetual cycle of back-and-forth. “Don’t follow instructions from clients unless they have deeper pockets,” the judge remarked. After considering the submissions and advising the parties, Mamba reserved his judgment on the applications, which will be communicated at a later date.

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