By Bahle Gama
Suspects in the different ATM bombings in Mbabane are putting together money to re-hire the services of Advocate Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila.
This follows that the advocate reportedly withdrew his services after the suspects allegedly went broke. The suspects are South African nationals Sicelo Msibi (26), Muziwandile Lukhele (33), and Given Mfanakazane Mavuso (19) all from Tjakastad, South Africa.
They were arrested along with Lindani Zitha of Nkhaba and they are facing 17 counts, mainly malicious property damage, following the bombing of ATMs around the capital city last year in August.
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Advocate Mabila reportedly withdrew his services after the suspects failed to pay him, however, they continue to insist that they still want to be represented by him and have since pleaded with the court to give them enough time to do so.
Through the representation of Lawyer Linda Dlamini, the suspects who had appeared in court on June 8 for trial, moved an application to sort out their attorney issue so that they can return to court ready for trial. The Crown in the matter is represented by Public Prosecutor Mncedisi Dlamini.
“Your Worship, there are no instructions to brief the crown because the suspects are yet to engage the services of counsel. We are aware that the matter was in court for trial continuation. Under the circumstances, I humbly apply to get our house in order and set another date for trial” submitted Dlamini.
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Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati advised that the suspects should indeed get their house in order because the matter had been postponed several times, causing numerous delays.
“Mr Dlamini (Linda) ensure that you put your house in order because we cannot continue to postpone this matter as the suspects are making the same submission concerning hiring an attorney, having had counsel withdraw services,” Magistrate Vilakati said.
Three of the foreign accused persons are remanded into police custody, while the liSwati is out of custody on bail. They are set to return to court on June 15 for continuation of trial.
