MBABANE – When reports first emerged about fraudulent court documents and missing files, the Judiciary vowed to leave no stone unturned in rooting out the culprits.
What initially appeared to be isolated incidents has now evolved into a far-reaching investigation that has so far resulted in the arrest of five court clerks stationed in different regions of the country.
The widening probe centres on the alleged issuance of fraudulent court orders, including in divorce matters, as well as the theft and manipulation of official court files.
The first arrest in the latest wave involved a court clerk stationed at the Small Claims Court, who was apprehended last week in connection with a missing court file.
Over the weekend, two more clerks were arrested and subsequently appeared at the Shiselweni Magistrates Court, where they faced a range of serious charges.
Two additional clerks are expected to appear before court today as investigations continue to gather momentum.
Judicial authorities have confirmed that they are working closely with the Royal Eswatini Police Service to clamp down on corruption within the court system.
In earlier statements, the Judiciary emphasised its determination to protect the credibility of court processes and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.
Among those who appeared before Senior Magistrate Joseph Dlamini at the Shiselweni Magistrates Court are Vusisizwe Bonginkosi Sithole (38) of Hhuhhuma and Setsabile Primrose Kunene (43) of Nhlambeni based at the Manzini Magistrates Court.
The prosecution has levelled two counts against Sithole. He is accused of fraud dating back to April 2023, where it is alleged that, while acting as a clerk of court and court interpreter, he misrepresented the status of E4 000 received from Makhosonkhe Raymond Dlamini and Samkelo Shabangu.
The money was allegedly intended for Lindani Mndzebele and Shabangu’s bail. However, the Crown alleges that Sithole failed to remit the funds to the Eswatini Government Revenue Offices, thereby inducing an unlawful release from custody.
In addition to the fraud charge, Sithole faces a charge of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. It is alleged that on March 6, 2023, he broke into premises at the Shiselweni Magistrates Court and stole a 42-inch Samsung television valued at E6 000.
While the charge sheet names a private individual as the occupant of the premises, sources close to the matter claim the television actually belonged to the Shiselweni Magistrates Court.
The device was allegedly later traced to a workshop where it had been taken for repairs.
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