MBABANE – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive action by suspending five court clerks facing multiple criminal charges as part of a widening corruption probe within the Judiciary.
The affected officials are Ncamiso Alex Matsebula, Mduduzi Mdluli, Vusisizwe Bonginkosi Sithole, Setsabile Primrose Kunene and Sandile Eric Dludlu. They appeared before the commission recently for pre-suspension hearings, where they were given an opportunity to explain why they should not be suspended, given the serious allegations against them.
Matsebula and Mdluli, both attached to the Nhlangano Magistrates Court, are accused of fraud and defeating the ends of justice in an incident allegedly dating back to 2022, involving a falsified fine payment and forged documentation to secure an inmate’s release.
Sithole, stationed at the Shiselweni Magistrates Court, faces fraud charges and separate allegations of housebreaking and theft linked to the interception of bail money and the alleged stealing of a television from court premises. At the Manzini Magistrates Court, Kunene is accused of issuing false liberation warrants, while Dludlu of the Small Claims Court stands accused of tampering with and stealing criminal dockets – acts that have disrupted prosecutions. After reviewing their submissions and considering the severity of the allegations, the JSC resolved to suspend all five clerks with full pay, pending internal disciplinary proceedings.
The commission emphasised its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and ensuring all officers conduct themselves in line with the high standards of their office. It also assured the public that court operations at the affected magistrates and Small Claims Court will continue uninterrupted during the suspensions.A legal expert said the decisive action signals the Judiciary’s firm stance on accountability. As the inquiry continues, the commission reiterated its commitment to restoring public confidence and safeguarding the administration of justice from any officer undermining it.
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