SHUT YOUR MOUTH, SORE LOSER – MARWICK

MBABANE – If anyone expected that Lobamba Lomdzala MP, Marwick Khumalo would behave like he committed a crime by not declining the CPA nomination, then that is their problem, he has stated.

The erstwhile MP categorically stated that allegations remain just that until proven in a court of law, which is the only competent judicial authority acceptable in any civilised jurisdiction.

In an exclusive interview with this publication following his nomination into the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Swaziland Branch, Khumalo said a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, citing Section 21 of the country’s Constitution, which he said couldn’t be more clearer.

Section 21 reads that in the determination of civil rights and obligations or any criminal charge; a person shall be given a fair and speedy public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court or adjudicating authority established by law and that a person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until that person is proven or has pleaded guilty.

However, despite what the Constitution dictates in relation to a speedy public hearing, it has been close to two years that Khumalo has been out on bail following his arrest in August 2013.   

He was arrested together with Happy Valley Resort and Casino Director Jose E Rodrigues and faces fraud-related charges which also pertain to the operations of the CPA Swaziland Branch.

It is alleged that the Happy Valley was paid an amount of around E444 000 for services it allegedly did not offer.
This was during a visit by 35 members of the CPA Executive Committee for a conference which was held at the Royal Swazi Sun Convention Centre in May 2010.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: