CANADIAN COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF KING’S JET

MBABANE – The Canadian Courts have ordered the release of His Majesty King Mswati III’s jet which was attached in that country.

The twin-engined McDonnell Douglas DC-9 was attached in Canada after Salgaocar’s Shanmuga Rethena, popularly known as Shan, obtained an order for its attachment, in a process that the Swazi authorities were not aware of.

The order calling for the release of the plane was issued by Justice Dow on Friday after attorneys representing the country successfully argued that the interest of justice favours its release.

The State (Swaziland) attorneys further contended that the plane enjoyed diplomatic immunity; hence, it was wrong for Canadian Courts to order it to be impounded.

Meanwhile, Shan has filed an appeal seeking to set aside this judgment. The filing of his appeal means that the plane will remain in that country pending the outcome of the appeal which will be heard on April 9, 2015.

The Attorney General, Majahenkhaba Dlamini, confirmed the latest development concerning His Majesty’s jet and further said: “The judgment is out and it was in favour of the country. However, Shan has filed an appeal, meaning the plane will continue to be grounded pending the outcome of the appeal hearing.”

The country had roped in Canadian counsels to assist argue the case.
The State (Swaziland) had filed an application wherein it was seeking an order for the release of the plane.
When the matter was first brought to court, Swaziland had no representative. It was felt that the Canadian Courts had issued an order to have the Swazi plane attached without having heard the side of the other party.

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