MBABANE: Nonhlanhla Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse(SWAGAA) has applauded Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala for prioritizing Gender Based Violence(GBV) cases.
The Director said in as much as they appreciated the efforts of the Chief Justice, they were not happy with the sentiments of the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) Themba Masuku who alleged that declaring GBV a national disaster would not make any difference.
The CJ recently issued a directive suggesting that serious GBV cases must be referred to the High Court by the Magistrates Court, this will result to offenders or perpetrators of Gender Based Violence(GBV) receiving possible heavy sentences if found guilty.
“We are happy and appreciate the efforts by the Chief Justice in dealing with Gender Based Violence.But we are surprised by the sentiments of the Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku who said declaring GBV a national disaster will not make any difference,” said the SWAGAA Director when interviewed by Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.
DPM Themba Masuku,when interviewed by the State owned eSwatini Observer stated categorically that declaring GBV a national disaster would not make any input in the fight against the scourge.
Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala.