MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Dlamini on Friday signed the late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s condolences book.
The prime minister, who was the first to sign the book, extended his condolences to Maphalala’s family and prayed that God comforts them in their time of grief. “We mourn the passing of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala. His legacy of dedicated judicial service and leadership endures,” the prime minister wrote. “May he rest in peace.”
Prince Simelane, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, was the second person to sign the condolences book, which is placed for signing at the High Court of Eswatini. The minister extended his condolences to Their Majesties, the government, the nation, and the Maphalala family.
“The Word says God has given, He has taken,” Prince Simelane wrote.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who is also the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, highlighted that Maphalala was dedicated and loyal to the service of his office. “May his soul rest in peace,” the acting DPM wrote.
George Wachira, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Eswatini, was also among those who signed the condolences book, along with attorneys and Judiciary staff.
During the funeral at Maphalala’s parental homestead at Lawuba, the burial was characterised by the national flag, a customised casket, a gun salute, judges and police officers serving as pallbearers, and a speech from the throne.
The funeral brought together throngs of mourners from the government, the Judiciary, surrounding communities, and the Maphalala family, as well as a representative of Their Majesties.
Maphalala was accorded a State funeral in recognition of his service to the country, with the ceremony marked by military-style honours, including a gun salute.
Those who cried appeared mostly to sob quietly as mourners watched the final moments of the life of the country’s late Chief Justice.
The Minister for Tinkhundla Development and Administration, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, acting in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the restrained grief was itself a reflection of the kind of man Maphalala had been. He noted that during funerals, people usually cry until the coffin is lowered into the grave, yet when someone who loves God dies, this is not usually the case.
The acting DPM added that Maphalala had a heart for helping many people, even during times of grief, and that he also assisted many with their livelihoods.
Speaker after speaker described the late chief justice as a multi-faceted man whose life extended beyond the courtroom and the Judiciary. He was remembered as a man who was effective in his professional duties while taking his responsibilities as a husband, father, and member of the extended family seriously. Speakers noted that he ensured his children were provided for and did not have to struggle, describing this as evidence of the importance he placed on his responsibilities at home.
His in-laws from his five wives also paid tribute to him, with the families describing Maphalala as a loving person who went beyond the formal title of Chief Justice. To them, they said, he was not simply the country’s Chief Justice, but a brother-in-law and a member of their families. The tributes painted a picture of a man whose identity was not confined to his position at the head of the Judiciary.
His professional life was equally recognised during the funeral, with speakers recalling his contributions as Chief Justice and his role in the country’s justice system.
The funeral was also characterised by speeches, including a message of condolence from Their Majesties. The message was delivered by Hhansense Dlamini, who is also the Judicial Commissioner for the Eswatini Swazi National Court.
The presence of representatives from the monarchy, government, Judiciary, police, family, and the wider community reflected the different spheres in which Maphalala had served and built relationships. Magistrates from various courts across the country were also in attendance.
The King called for peace within the family of the late chief justice and requested his relatives to remain united following his death. The message was delivered by Dlamini, who represented Their Majesties during Maphalala’s funeral. He conveyed the King’s appeal for the Maphalala family to maintain peace and avoid divisions. The King urged the family to continue with their lives while remaining grounded in faith.
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