Speaking to this Swaziland News, Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students, said the five students privately appeared before Magistrate Mthokozisi Dlamini at the Manzini Police Headquarters. Bafanabakhe Sacolo and two others were denied bail on grounds that they were facing charges of malicious damage to the Fairview Police Station which has an estimated value of over E100 000.

“The judiciary system of this country is an embarrassment and a shame. They will do all it takes to please Mswati at the expense of the people of Swaziland. Whether they arrest, detain or arrest or kill us, we will not give up until we live in a democratic world. We are the last generation to be oppressed and students should unite in such times, but the end is near and Mswati\'s days are numbered.The reason for the private trial is because government has been shaken by the youth.We haven\'t even started and we will not rest until the Tinkundla System of government is out power”, said the SNUS President.

When reached for comments, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi ,a Human Rights lawyer said the trial was not private but there was a miscommunication between those in charge of the case and the Student’s union.

“It appears to me that it wasn’t a private trial but it was a miscommunication either deliberately or not, there is a proper court room at the Manzini Police Headquarters. There was a lack of communication since the students were expecting their colleagues to appear at the Manzini Magistrate Courts instead of the circuit court at the Police Headquarters”, he said.

The five students were Bongumenzi Gamedze and Hlengiwe Magagula who were granted bail fixed at E 3000 each. Khumbula Nxumalo and Siphosethu Mavimbela together with Bafanabakhe Sacolo the SNUS Secretary General were denied bail.