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‘I’M BETTER THAN YOU’ - THULANI TELLS JUDGE

26/07/2014 10:23:00 BY BONISILE MAKHUBU

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MBABANE – One could hear a pin drop in court yesterday as Lawyer Thulani Maseko told Judge Mpendulo Simelane that he was better than him.
Maseko made the utterance in the middle of judge reading points of consideration before he issued the sentence.

Simelane had just told the court that Maseko was a disgrace to the legal profession as he had shown disrespect to the court throughout his trial.
“Put simply, you are a disgrace to the profession,” said the judge, to which Maseko snapped “Better than you”.
The judge disregarded the statement and continued reading from his notes.

He accused Maseko of chanting political slogans while he presided over the case early this month and said he incited his followers to join in the chanting of slogans, which was not allowed when the court was in session.
“He incited his so-called supporters to also chant political slogans. In the process they made a lot of noise thereby undermining the dignity and reputable authority of the court. This court had to admonish the accused to desist from such conduct,” he said.

He said Maseko was earnestly pursuing regime change at all costs.
Maseko turned his back against the judge and shouted “Amandla”, to which the gallery responded “Awethu”.
He lifted his right fist while facing the gallery and further recited “Ilizwe” to which they said “Elethu”.
Simelane said Maseko’s behaviour in the duration of the trial had compromised his position as an officer of the court.
“He cannot have it both ways. Those who are supporting him, both locally and internationally, are making him disfavour,” he said.

Simelane described Swaziland as a sovereign state, saying that her laws and constitutional structures must be respected.

Fundamental

Adding he said it is the fundamental responsibility of the courts in this country to ensure that this is achieved through appropriate sentences as a deterrent.
“Accused Four further implored the court to impose him any sentence it deems fit. He said even if he is imprisoned for years it was well with his soul,” he said.
The judge said all this was a sign of lack or remorsefulness by Maseko.

“He said he displayed an ‘I don’t care attitude. Hopefully the sentence I am about to impose will be well with him,” he said.
Simelane said it was nothing more than what he called for himself. The judge sentenced the two to two years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.
The Nation Magazine and Independent Publishers were fined E50 000 each, an amount that must be paid within 30 days.

When Simelane called for adjournment, a female voice was heard shouting, “Lakhululeka live”, which translates to “The nation is free at last”.
This happened as throngs of supporters marched to the accused dock where they hugged and shook hands with the convicts.