Times Of Swaziland: TOP LAWYER SIPHO MNISI IN COURT FOR THEFT

TOP LAWYER SIPHO MNISI IN COURT FOR THEFT
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 BY SIBUSISO SHANGE on 15/10/2020 00:30:00


MBABANE - The prominent lawyer, who has been arrested in connection with theft
by false pretence, has been identified as Sipho Sifiso Mnisi.
Mnisi (39) of KaKholwane is known for handling some of the high profile cases in
the country. He once made headlines when he represented the country’s former
Chief Justice, Michael Ramodibedi, in his impeachment.
Mnisi once represented businessman Sipho Shongwe, who is accused of the murder
of business mogul, Victor Gamedze, during the initial stage of the matter.
However, Mnisi no longer forms part of Shongwe’s legal team.
He appeared along with Bhekithemba Jabulani Shongwe (53) of Mnyokane before
Mbabane Magistrate Lenhle Zulu yesterday.
Charge
Mnisi appeared as the second accused in the charge sheet.
In the first count, it is alleged that the duo misrepresented to Masomakati
Adellate Dlamini of Madonsa in the Manzini Region that they were assisting her
in purchasing two motor vehicles in the Republic of South Africa, resulting in
them allegedly obtaining from Dlamini a sum of E90 000 in cash.
The incident is alleged to have occurred upon or about May 4, 2020 at or near
Ngwenya Border Gate.
The duo is also alleged to have obtained E207 000 from Dlamini under the pretext
that they would assist her in purchasing two motor vehicles in the Republic of
South Africa. The second incident is alleged to have happened at or near Ngwenya
Border Gate upon or about May 9, 2020. The Crown applied that the duo be
remanded in custody until October 21, 2020 pending setting of their trial date.
Their defence counsels informed the court that they intended to move bail
applications on behalf of their clients at the High Court.
Represented
Mnisi is represented by Siyabonga Zwane from Sithole and Magagula Attorneys
while Shongwe is represented by Mancoba Thwala.
The duo was brought to court as early as 9am. They remained in the courtroom
until the arrival of the magistrate. They had a few companions present.
Mnisi was seen talking to a male companion shortly after leaving the accused
dock. However, the companion left the court immediately after the brief
conversation. Shongwe on the other hand was seen talking to a female relative
immediately after leaving the accused dock.
The relative had time with Shongwe until the duo was taken back to the police
station.
Mnisi didn’t face the cameras on his way to the police car.
He hid his face as soon as he spotted the cameramen. He put on a face mask in
order to avoid the camera.
The seasoned lawyer also used a juice box to hide his face from the camera.
However, his co-accused did not make any attempt to hide from the cameras.