Stories By Siphesihle Dlamini
Sebenele Zwane (23) found herself in trouble after allegedly breaking her ex-lover’s phone.
The incident, which took place on December 15, 2023, around Lobamba landed Zwane in front of the Mbabane Magistrate Court, facing charges under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.
The courtroom was abuzz as Zwane, in defiance, stood before the Mbabane Magistrate Court to answer for her actions. The accused did wrongfully and unlawfully damage a navy-blue Samsung A 750 F cellphone valued at E4 900 in the lawful possession of Sicelo Maziya (his ex-boyfriend) with intent to injure the property. The phone was brought to court as an exhibit.
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Despite initially pleading guilty to the charges, Zwane quickly shifted gears during her mitigation, claiming that breaking the phone was never her intention. However, she remained tight-lipped about the events leading up to the incident and even went as far as denying that Maziya was once her boyfriend.
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The prosecutor, sensing a potential defence in Zwane’s stance, decided to enter a plea of not guilty, setting the stage for a trial that promises to be as riveting as it is perplexing. Zwane’s fate was sealed as the court ordered her remand in custody until April 2, 2024, pending the setting of a trial date. However, a ray of hope shone through as bail was not opposed, granting Zwane temporary freedom upon payment of E500 and adherence to strict conditions.
These conditions, including non-interference with state witnesses, mandatory court appearances, and a pledge to steer clear of any further criminal activities, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of love gone awry.
