BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– A quiet tension settled outside the Mbabane Magistrates Court this morning, where curiosity, cameras, and whispered conversations filled the air.
Yet one figure stood out not for what she said, but for what she avoided. Home Affairs Officer Nonhlanhla Malambe, recently arrested for allegedly issuing an Eswatini national ID to detained South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, made her first court appearance, carefully shielding herself from the waiting lenses of the media.
Her court appearance comes at a time when Matlala continues to testify before the South African Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, a process that has captured regional attention. His testimony has revealed deep cross-border linkages and raised important questions around identity documentation, security protocols, and administrative oversight within government systems.
While the matter is still unfolding, today’s appearance marks a significant step in ensuring that due process is followed and that institutions uphold accountability with fairness and transparency. Court officials maintained a calm and orderly atmosphere, emphasizing that the legal process will take its course without fear or favour.
Authorities continue to reaffirm that the integrity of Eswatini’s national documentation systems remains a priority. The case, they note, provides an opportunity to strengthen internal checks, reinforce compliance, and bolster public confidence in state institutions.
As Malambe awaits the next steps in her legal journey, and as Matlala continues his testimony in South Africa, both processes highlight the importance of regional cooperation, transparency, and the rule of law, principles that ultimately support a safer and more accountable society.
(Courtesy Pic)
