MBABANE – Status Capital Building Society Risk and Compliance Officer Phephisa Mngometulu has laid charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against the suspended Managing Director, Michael Mbetse.
Mbetse is accused of conspiring with three men, allegedly hired as his bodyguards, following an incident where Mngometulu was forcibly removed from office in full view of the public at Corner Plaza, in Ezulwini.
The alleged accomplices are Wenzile Mthethwa (30) of Mnyokane, Sandile Matsebula (36) of Mbabane and Jimmy Mbonane (43) of Matsapha. Testifying in court, Mngometulu submitted that he saw Mbetse, dressed in a suit, accompanied by three men wearing T-shirts inscribed with ‘Live Watch Security’.
He explained that he was driving towards the office from Ezulwini Police Post, having been sent there by his employer to report a potential threat following Mbetse’s promise to return to work the previous day.
Mngometulu told the court that despite the revocation of his reinstatement letter after a lengthy suspension, Mbetse insisted on reporting to work. As he approached, Mngometulu said he observed the three men grabbing the security guard he referred to as Gama, stationed at the offices, by his clothes. “I stopped the vehicle, rolled down the window and asked Gama what was happening. Mbetse told me to keep quiet before Gama could respond,” he said.
He added that Gama later explained that they wanted the keys to the head office.
He stated that after parking the vehicle, he rushed to the security guard before attempting to intervene, and explain to Mbetse that he was not permitted on the premises. “As I approached, Mbetse said ‘naku lokunye lokwedzelelako’ before asking who I think I am,” Mngometulu submitted.
He further submitted that Mbetse made it clear shot he would deal with him later.
While calling the police from his office, Mngometulu told the court that he overheard the IT officer on the phone, refusing to disclose passwords to the people around him at the head office.
Concerned, he submitted that he moved to investigate what was happening. At the door to the head office, he stated that he saw Human Resources Specialist Samukelisiwe Mkhaliphi running. At the time, he said he observed that Mbetse and Mthethwa were no longer at the parking area.
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