MBABANE- Magistrate Xolile Nxumalo has warned the Home Affairs employee who is accused of issuing an Eswatini national ID card to alleged South African crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala not to cover her face in court.
Assistant Regional Civil Registrar Nonhlanhla Malambe is on trial for this and other charges, totaling 17. She pleaded not guilty to all charges against her.
Malambe, who works for the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been charged with corruption over the alleged unlawful issuance of Eswatini identity documents to South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and other individuals.
The Act under which Malambe has been charged states that a person commits corruption if they directly or indirectly give, offer or agree to give another person an advantage in circumstances that amount to an abuse of authority, a breach of trust or a violation of a legal duty.
Nxumalo issued the warning after Malambe entered the accused dock wearing a hat and a hood, as well as a face mask, making it difficult for the magistrate to recognise her.
“Tell your client to uncover her head and face. This is a court of law, and everyone here should be recognised. We are not here for robberies,” Nxumalo told Sivesonkhe, who is representing Malambe.
“Asidlali lana,” Nxumalo added, meaning “we are not here to play”.
Malambe has repeatedly tried to cover her face to avoid cameras when appearing in court. Her relatives have also helped shield her each time she appears.
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