MBABANE - Pastor Bongi Phiri yesterday collapsed inside the dock after being sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of a fine for indecently dealing with an 11-year-old pupil.
Phiri, who leads the Baptist Ministries, collapsed immediately after his rights to appeal were explained to him, after sentencing.
Prior to collapsing, the man of God, who had been in a prayer position after the pronouncement of the sentence, stood up and suddenly fell, shocking everyone present in court.
Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi directed that paramedics be called if necessary. A court orderly promptly made calls while warders administered first aid by fanning the pastor with their caps.
Some of those present in court to offer Phiri moral support were already screaming. Phiri was then removed from the dock and taken to the holding cells while awaiting the arrival of paramedics.
Subsequently, he was stretchered to a Correctional Services ambulance in the court premises. The pastor was facing a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018 charge.
Nhlabatsi stated that the law provides that any person found guilty of the offence shall face a penalty of 25 years imprisonment if the survivor is 12 years old or below. The court considered that the child was only 11 years old at the time of the offence.
Nhlabatsi also took into account the Crown’s final submission, which implored the court to consider the fact that the child was indecently treated by someone she trusted—an issue that is prevalent in the country.
The Crown urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve both as punishment and a deterrent to Phiri and other would-be offenders. The principal magistrate emphasised that children are considered vulnerable and require protection against all forms of physical and emotional harm.
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… he regained consciousness – Correctional
MBABANE – Pastor Bongi Phiri regained consciousness after being attended to by His Majesty’s Correctional Services officers.
Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene, Public Relations Officer at His Majesty’s Correctional Services, said they will continue to provide Phiri with the necessary medical care, along with any additional support he might require during his sentence.
*Full article available in our publication
