MBABANE: Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, a highly regarded human rights lawyer in eSwatini has described Judge Jacobus Annandale’s prayer request as unusual.
Judge Annandale, when presiding over the bail appeal of incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs)Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube on Friday urged members of the public to pray for them Supreme Court Judges so that they can deliver a fair judgement.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Monday, human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi said the sentiments of the Judge could mean there was interference in his judicial duties.
“It is unusual for a Judge to ask for support from the public when conducting his duties, it might be prayer support or otherwise. It’s the first time we are hearing it and it’s unprecedented. But we can learn a lot of this pregnant statement, it might mean there’s interference in the duties of the Judge. Maybe, the Judge want to do the right thing and follow the law but because of the interference, he found himself with no alternative but to ‘cry’ to the Nation and ask for prayer,” said the human rights lawyer.
Supreme Court Judge Jacobus Annandale when hearing the bail appeal of the pro-democracy MPs appealed to the Nation to pray for them as Judges so that they deliver a fair judgement.
The pro-democracy MPs were arrested on or about 25th July 2021 as per an order allegedly issued by King Mswati, they are facing politically motivated terrorism charges.
Human Rights Lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi(pic: US)