Chief Jabhane wants courts to stop ritual graduation

MBABANE – Chief Jabhane Dlamini of Siphocosini has filed an urgent application to interdict his relative from convening ritual graduation

(kuphotfulwa) at the umphakatsi. The relative, Nonhlanhla Mabuza is a niece to the chief’s late father Prince Madvumangali, who grew up at the umphakatsi.

He informed the court that Mabuza was using his parent’s house as indumba (a traditional consultation hut).

He told the court that the respondent (Mabuza) told her that she was possessed by deity (lidloti) of his father and had to practice such divinity in close proximity with the house.

“I strongly objected to the use of my father’s house as such. Family elders (prince and princesses) were called and they objected to the use of the house for such defiling activities and warned her against it,” submitted the chief.

He also brought it to the attention of the court that he had been advised that Mabuza had gone through an initiation process of becoming a sangoma (kwetfwasa).

Initiation

The chief submitted that the end of the initiation ends with a graduation and on December 10, 2021 he was informed that Mabuza would hold the graduation rituals at the umphakatsi.

Chief Jabhane narrated to the court that on December 11, 2021, he called Mabuza together with the elders to inform them that he was not going to allow her to hold the rituals in his parent’s house but must use her parental home at Lobamba for such rituals. According to the chief, Mabuza told all and sundry that she was going ahead with the ceremony which was scheduled for yesterday and that she was not going to be stopped by anyone.

He averred that such arrogance and disrespect undermined his authority and position and he feared that if this alleged impudence continued unabated by a close family member, he could not imagine the effect it would have on the subjects he was entrusted to lead.

The chief informed the court that they were in concert with the elders, as they allegedly pointed out that the umphakatsi could not be used as sangoma’s consultation hut, which by its very nature would expose the umphakatsi to security risk.

“I am afraid that in the event someone dies in the hands of Mabuza, while performing the rituals, all attention and blame will be levelled at me and no one will care about the consent being given to practice divinity,” argued the chief.

Legitimate

He avowed that Mabuza was currently violating his constitutionally guaranteed right as he was supposed to enjoy the use of his deceased parents’ assets as he was the legitimate beneficiary of same.

“I humbly submit that Mabuza is both degrading and a direct challenge to my prerogative authority bestowed upon me by the clan and duly blessed by Their Majesties. She knows the reasons why I do not want my parents’ house converted into an indumba,” contended the applicant (chief).

It was further his submission that Mabuza could come and visit as that was her maternal home but not to abuse that privilege.

“I implore the court to grant me an interdict against Mabuza, compelling her or people acting on her instruction to forthwith stop organising or convening the ritual graduation ceremony at the umphakatsi and specifically turning my parents’ house into an indumba,” submitted the chief.

He said the relief sought would allow time for the clan to deal with the matter in the proper structures.

Chief Jabhane argued that he had a clear right to protect as the house that Mabuza sought to convert to an altar (indumba) belonged to his deceased parents and, therefore, he was the custodian of all assets. He also highlighted that the protection of his dignity and preservation of the accessibility of umphakatsi / indlunkhulu were clearly and unequivocally stated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini and also vested upon him by the clan.

“I submit further that I have already suffered actual challenge and usurpation of my authority by being bypassed in matter personally related to me and my authority, as the recognised figure head of the Siphocosini umphakatsi and chief of the area,” contended the chief.

Restraining

In his application, the chief was further praying for an order interdicting Mabuza and restraining Mabuza or anyone acting on her instructions from ordering, convening and/or calling the media to issue a statement.

He is further praying for an order evicting Mabuza from the Siphocosini Umphakatsi in the interim while the matter was being dealt with in the proper structures and pending the institution of evicting proceedings.

Lastly, the chief wants the court to direct members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) based at the Mbabane Police Station to assist a deputy sheriff in ensuring that the court order was complied with.

The matter was before Judge Nkosinathi Maseko and appearing for the chief was Siphiwo Dlamini of S Dlamini and Associates in Manzini.