By Bahle Gama
One of the three men charged with 29 counts of killing security forces and illegally possessing firearms, German Dlamini has had his bail application opposed.
Dlamini is currently in custody with two of his co-accused, Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu and Philani Sihlongonyane. He is the only accused person who has moved a bail application. In his bail application papers, he told the court that he was asked by his co-accused Mabuyakhulu to hide the firearms and ammunition under his bed and had no knowledge of their origin.
Seven of these charges against the trio are for the alleged murder of REPS officers, HMCS officers and UEDF members.
They also face six counts of contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act 1964 as amended, for the alleged unlawful possession of firearms and rounds of ammunition.
According to the indictment that was served to their legal representative, the three were also charged with contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 in the main count.
This reportedly occurred on June 9, 2022, near the Sigwe area where they allegedly acted jointly in furtherance of a common purpose by pointing a firearm at Fanalakhe and Zandile Ndzinisa.
They further disarmed Fanalakhe a 9mm pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition. It was reported that the act was committed for political purposes to either intimidate a section of the public with law enforcement officers or to bring about the overthrow of the lawful government of Eswatini.
Another count in relation to the act was committed at Sidvokodvo where they allegedly killed Mbongiseni Mthayi, an officer from His Majesty’s Correctional Service (HMCS), another crime reported to have been committed for political purposes. This in turn birthed a murder charge.
They further face another charge of kidnapping in that on August 10, 2022, near Nyakatfo High School, they allegedly deprived Mlungisi Kunene of his liberty and further robbed him of his cellphone. Dlamini is set to return on Thursday for arguments.