MBABANE – Popular Gospel music artist Nduduzo Matse is demanding nearly E400 000 from Premier Eswatini (Pty) Ltd after he reportedly fell ill after consuming fermented maize drink (emahewu) produced by the company.
Matse is seeking damages totalling E399 359.55 following an alleged incident of severe food poisoning linked to the consumption of the product manufactured by Premier Eswatini.
The legal action comes as a result of the incident that reportedly occurred on June 29, 2023. According to the particulars of claim, Matse, a resident of Ngwane Park, Manzini, purchased a beverage known as Mandla Mahewu from Zakhele Mini Market in Manzini. The product is identified as a brand belonging to Premier Eswatini (Pty) Ltd, a private company based in the Matsapha Industrial Sites.
The court documents give an account of the artist’s health following the consumption of the product. It is alleged that within less than an hour of consuming the Mandla Mahewu, Matse began experiencing severe abdominal pains, which escalated into sudden vomiting and diarrhoea.
Recognising a rapid deterioration in health, Matse sought urgent medical attention at Philani Clinic in Manzini. His papers state that upon his first consultation on June 29, 2023, medical staff reportedly noted that he was in a weak and dehydrated state. A medical report dated July 3, 2023, authored by Dr Phetsile Dlamini and attached to the summons, indicates that Matse required a drip and other intensive treatments.
“Even while receiving medical intervention, the plaintiff reportedly suffered from persistent symptoms,” the summons read. Matse, according to the medical report, was diagnosed with food poisoning accompanied by ulcers throughout the gut. “This condition manifested physically through mouth sores and persistent diarrhoea that lasted for over five days,” it is alleged in the court papers. The veracity of these allegations is still to be tested in court. Matse is represented by Thabani Motsamai of Motsamai Attorneys. Eswatini Premier is yet to file its plea.
The summons state that Matse was admitted to the clinic on the day of the incident. It is alleged that, although he was briefly released, he had to be re-admitted two days later, eventually being discharged on July 3, 2023. Dr Dlamini’s medical conclusion suggested that the severity of the poisoning would require Matse to continue treatment for several months.
Beyond the physical toll, the legal claim highlights professional and financial setbacks for the Gospel singer. As a prominent artist who relies on performances for his livelihood, Matse’s inability to work during the recovery period resulted in the cancellation of several high-profile engagements.
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