Continuous incarceration of 2 MPs slammed

MBABANE - The Coordinating Assembly of NGOs (CANGO) says the continuous incarceration of the two Member of Parliament (MPs) further erodes the confidence in the country’s justice system.

The MPs referred to are Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza of Hosea Inkhundla and Mthandeni Dube of Ngwemphisi Inkhundla.

CANGO’s reaction comes after this publication reported that the MPs’ trial will reportedly no longer take place as scheduled as it was likely to be delayed.

According to CANGO’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Ndimphiwe Shabangu, this may also affect the country’s image in the international community which may further affect investor confidence.

He said another issue of concern was that the continued incarceration deprives the constituencies which elected the two MPs, of their representatives in Parliament.

“Therefore, it is critical that the MPs case is expedited timeously,” said Shabangu.

Enjoyed

He said as an organisation, they were urging the Judiciary to ensure that the two MPs enjoyed the rights guaranteed in the Constitution. He said the Constitution of the country Chapter 3 (1) stipulated that fundamental human rights and freedoms of individuals were declared and guaranteed.

These include (a) respect for life, the right to a fair hearing before the law and equal protection before the law.

The Human Rights Consortium under the auspice of CANGO’s stance was that the two MPs were also entitled to such rights.

He noted that in a recent address, His Majesty King Mswati III emphasised that the Constitution was key to all emaSwati and called for all of them to read and understand it so that they were guided in whatever they were doing.

Shabangu also noted that the two MPs have been denied bail twice.

“While we cannot delve on the merits of their case, we are concerned that the notion of being presumed innocent until proven guilty seems not to be applicable in their case,” said Shabangu.