By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: The Law Society of Swaziland(LSS) has formally written a complaint,calling for the impeachment of the alleged corrupt eSwatini Chief Justice(CJ) Bheki Maphalala.

Chief Justice Maphalala has been accused of corruption,in that he allegedly interfered and or influenced Judges and other judicial officers.

Among other allegations, the Law Society accuses the Chief Justice of abusing his powers to stop an investigation by Parliament into the operations of the Master of the High Court’s office.

It has been widely reported that public monies were disappearing within the Master of the High Court’s office and the CJ has been at the centre, blocking an investigation.

“We are witnessing the erosion of the rule of law and public confidence in the judicial system.The Chief Justice is at the forefront of the assault to the rule of law. His role as head of the judiciary is that of chief custodian of law. Instead of fulfilling this important

constitutional function, the Chief Justice has consistently breached the Constitution,the law,the Judicial Code of Ethics and his oath of office.He has abused power and interfered with the administration of justice.

He has brought the judiciary into disrepute and failed to promote and maintain proper administration of iustice and the rule of law.The public is desirous to have a functioning

judicial system that promotes the proper administration of justice and the rule of law.

The complaint states clearly the serious misbehaviour committed by the Chief Justice which warrants his removal from office as provided in Section 158 of the Constitution. The serious misbehaviour of the ChiefJustice cannot be ignored. The complaint must be

processed and dealt with according to law.This is important to restore the respect and dignity of the courts and the judicial system for which public order is dependent. Investors will only have confidence in a country where the rule of law reigns supreme,” reads the complaint by the Law Society.

A questionnaire was sent to Chief Justice,however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Charity Simelane, the Secretary General of the Law Society confirmed the complaint against the CJ.

“As the Law Society, we can confirm the complaint against the Chief Justice Justice,” said the LSS Secretary General.