The Government of Eswatini has confirmed that the late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala will be accorded a state funeral in recognition of his service to the country.
The announcement was made by Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini when he led government officials in paying their respects at the late Chief Justice’s home.
The Judiciary, alongside the Human Rights Commission, Magistrates and the Attorney General’s Office, paid their respects to the late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala at his home in KaLiba. 
Dlamini said the decision to accord Maphalala a state funeral was a reflection of the work he had done for the country during his years in the Judiciary.
The Acting Deputy Prime Minister also announced a financial contribution of E500 000 from His Majesty’s Government towards the funeral arrangements.
Of the amount, E100 000 will be handed over as condolences money, while the remaining E400 000 will go towards further funeral arrangements and logistics.
He further pledged the government’s support in facilitating the funeral and ensuring that the necessary logistics were put in place.
Dlamini said Maphalala had worked hard for the country and deserved the honour of a state funeral.
The announcement comes as preparations for the burial of the former Chief Justice continue, with his funeral programme set to begin with a memorial service before his final send-off.
Maphalala will be laid to rest on Saturday at KoNtshingila following a night vigil, while the memorial service will be held on Friday at Zakhele Free Evangelical Assemblies (FEA).
Maphalala died on Thursday, September 10, 2026, after reportedly succumbing while receiving treatment at a hospital in South Africa.
His death brings to an end a judicial career that saw him rise through the ranks of Eswatini’s legal system to become the head of the Judiciary.
Maphalala was appointed Chief Justice in November 2015, succeeding the late Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi. At the time of his death, the Judiciary of Eswatini listed him as the head of the Judiciary, President of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.
He first joined the superior courts with his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He later served as Acting Chief Justice before succeeding the late Michael Ramodibedi as Chief Justice. Ramodibedi died in 2019.
A lawyer by training, Maphalala obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1990.
He practised as an attorney from 1992 to 2009 before his elevation to the bench.
During his tenure as Chief Justice, Maphalala represented Eswatini at several regional and continental judicial engagements.
He also served as Chairperson of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum. In that capacity, he addressed the Constitutional Court of South Africa in 2025.
