15 AEC Pastors granted bail as courts hear contempt case

By Delisa Magagula
Fifteen pastors of the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC), who were arrested on charges of contempt of court, have
been granted bail by the High Court in Mbabane.

Judge John Magagula released the clergymen on their own recognisance, pending the outcome of their appeal.
The arrests, which drew widespread attention, followed weeks of tension within the AEC. Disputes over leadership
and governance had earlier reached the High Court, which ruled against the continued stay of the church’s executive
committee.

In response, congregants alleged that certain pastors were being forcibly removed from their positions, that church
property had been turned into private holdings, and that worshippers were being locked out of local assemblies.

The 15 pastors were taken into custody after allegedly defying a court order linked to this dispute.

Their detention sparked a demonstration outside the Mbabane Police Station, where dozens of church members
gathered in prayer, calling for their release.

Judge Magagula noted that the pastors had no previous criminal records and posed no flight risk. He ruled that they
could be released without the payment of bail money, on the condition that they return to court when required.

Speaking outside court, Siphesihle Nkhabindze, a member of the church, said the ruling was a relief for families and
congregations.

“We have been on our knees since their arrest. Today we believe justice has prevailed,” he said.
The pastors are expected to continue with their appeal in the coming weeks.

Until then, they are free to resume their church duties under close scrutiny from both their congregations and the
courts.