By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson says a matter that is before the courts cannot be discussed in public and/or outside the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system.

Nxumalo responded briefly to this Swaziland News on Saturday evening perhaps, avoiding to be seen discussing the rape case in public, he was asked to comment about a press statement released by Liphimbo LaboMake and other women rights organizations, blasting the Civil Service Commission(CSC) for renewing his contract of employment.

“This decision raises critical questions about Government’s due diligence, its commitment to justice, and its accountability to the public”, reads the statement in part.

But CSC Chairman lawyer Simanga Mamba defended the decision to renew Nxumalo’s contract, in a press statement released this week.

“At the time of the lapse of the contract and before Mr Alpheous Nxumalo was criminally charged in April 2025, the Civil Service Commission had already issued an offer of contract renewal in the month of February 2025, which is three months before the lapse of the initial contract. The offer had been accepted by the other party. The offer to renew the contract was issued after the Ministry in Charge had recommended for the contract renewal. Mr Nxumalo as a party to the contract had a legitimate expectation based on the notice of renewal to have his contract renewed with the benefits attached in the contract.Mr Nxumalo is innocent until proven guilty. Legally, the Commission has no legal basis to withdraw the offer to his prejudice. The contract is renewed and the Commission has taken a decision to place Mr Nxumalo on leave of absence pending his criminal matter in court as per the provisions of the General Orders that Civil Servants who are criminally charged are to be suspended pending finalization of their criminal proceedings. The Commission will await the outcome of the Criminal Proceedings to determine the future of Mr Nxumalo in the Civil Service”, said the CSC Chairman.

It has been disclosed that, Nxumalo bounced back to power after the country’s authorities felt his absence created a vacuum in the political sphere and wanted his contract of employment renewed but, without interfering with the criminal case.

Nxumalo was vocal, defending the Tinkhundla system of Government and as a result of his loyalty to the system, he has bounced back, ‘beating’ State journalists and other loyalists of the Tinkhundla system who were eyeing the position.