MBABANE – The Judiciary of Namibia has mourned the death of the Chief Justice of Eswatini, Bheki Maphalala.
The Namibia Judiciary issued a media release on Monday September 14, 2026, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Maphalala. The Chief Justice of Namibia, Peter Shivute, issued the statement on behalf of the Namibian Judiciary and extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of Maphalala, the Judiciary of Eswatini and the people of Eswatini.
Shivute described Maphalala as a dear colleague, a beacon of strength in the region and a source of support and encouragement to fellow judicial leaders. He noted that Maphalala was an active member and a past Chairperson of the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF), of which Namibia is also a member. He added that the forum and the region are poorer for the loss of his visionary leadership.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with the Judiciary of Eswatini as you mourn the passing of a selfless and dedicated leader who served his Judiciary and his country with distinction,” said Shivute.
Maphalala passed away on September 10, 2026, while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in South Africa following an illness.
Maphalala graduated with BProc and LLB degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1990. He worked as an attorney in private legal practice from 1992 to 2009. Before joining the bench, he served on the Constitutional Review Commission in 1996 and the Constitution Drafting Committee in 2002.
In 2009, Maphalala was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Eswatini. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2011, becoming the first Liswati to serve as a permanent judge on the country’s highest court.
He was appointed acting Chief Justice in 2015 following the departure of Michael Ramodibedi, and King Mswati III confirmed his appointment as Chief Justice on November 10, 2015. He served as the head of the Judiciary, president of the Supreme Court, and chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission for nearly 11 years.
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