WE HAD ALCOHOL BEFORE BOOKING ROOM - CEO

MBABANE – The chief executive officer who has been charged with rape says they enjoyed a variety of alcoholic beverages at Royal Swazi Spa in Ezulwini with his accuser before he decided to book a room.

Letshego Financial Services CEO Mbuso Dlamini said on May 31, 2014 he was attending a traditional wedding (umtismba) ceremony at Zakhele in Manzini with his brother, Mcolisi Dlamini, at a Motsa residence.

He alleged that while at the ceremony he made acquaintances with a young lady and they spent time chatting and socialising.
“When I was about to leave, she and Mcolisi requested to come along with me as I was headed to Royal Swazi Hotel in Ezulwini. I acceded to their request and allowed them to come with me since I was alone and saw no difficulty with their presence,” he stated.

The CEO alleged that when they got to Ezulwini, he proceeded to ensure their comfort at the hotel by buying them alcoholic beverages while he was playing the slot machines at the casino.

“All three of us enjoyed a variety of alcoholic drinks which I paid for. Later in the evening, I then bought them dinner while I continued engaging in my games at the casino.  Much later while still drinking and playing the slots I noticed that I was drunk and above the legal limit. I then decided to try and arrange accommodation inside the hotel,” he stated. These are allegations contained in an affidavit whose veracity is still to be tested in court.

Dlamini further submitted that he tried to get two separate rooms so that he would sleep in the one room and his brother and the complainant sleep in the other, but he failed.
Dlamini said he was then offered by the hotel what is called a ‘family suite’ which had two bedrooms in one suite
He said he reluctantly took it after seeing that he was not in a position to drive back to Manzini since that was going to pose a risk to fellow motorists and them as well.

“Having paid for the room I then went back to take both Mcolisi and the complainant to show them the room which I had secured for us. They returned with me downstairs where I left them in a bar after giving them vouchers with which to purchase drinks at their convenience while I continued at the casino,” he alleged.

Dlamini alleged that Mcolisi and the complainant left early in the morning for their room and he joined them at about 4am after having finished playing at the casino.
Dlamini said he found both occupants of the room (Mcolisi and the complainant) already asleep and he proceeded to the master bedroom and slept.

He further alleged that in the morning he gave the complainant money to get to Manzini.
“After some time, I got a telephone call from the police advising me that the complainant’s mother had laid a charge of rape with them and I was wanted. I was shocked at the sudden developments since I knew for a fact that I did not have sexual intercourse with the complainant on that day or any other. I was subsequently arrested and detained at the Manzini Police Station after having surrendered myself,” he stated.
Dlamini said he was then charged with rape.

“I state that I am innocent of the charge and if put to trial, I will proceed to plead not guilty thereto. There is no evidence of any sexual intercourse between me and the complainant, hence I am confident of my acquittal if the matter goes to trial.”

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