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MBABANE – Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is following the case of the convicted former MPs, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube with keen interest.

7o ensure that nothing goes unnoticed, the union of M3s from countries sent a representative in Rahim Khan, to observe the proceedings on its behalf.

,n an interview yesterday, Khan, who is also a former and retired judge of %otswana, confirmed his mission yesterday.

+e said the former legislators who were convicted of contravening the Suppression of 7errorism Act, and on two counts of murder were still regarded as their members as they were arrested while in office.

+e said his duty was to observe the case, to see if the proceedings were in line with the laws of Eswatini and international standards. +e made an e[ample that his role was to monitor each and every stage of the trial and compile findings.

Interference

+e shared that without any interference, he was in the country to see if the former legislators were given a fair trial, right to cross-e[amination and the court environment during the course of the trial.

+e stated that his duty was to observe the manner in which the &rown presented its evidence as well as the conduct of the concerned parties. Khan stated that he would compile a report to the ,3U.

+e said the ,3U would then write to Eswatini, which is a member, to deliberate on issues contained in the report.

Asked if the reporting would have any bearing on the judgment, Khan said resolutions were taken by the ,3U.

³Mine is to observe the proceedings and compile the report without commenting on anything. 7he ,3U will see what to do with the report,´ he said.

Khan shared that it was not his first time to observe proceeding and compile a report for the ,3U. +e said he observed the proceedings and compiled a report on the case of =imbabwe M3 -ob Sikhala, from the opposition party, who was convicted in +arare of presenting false information to the police.