MBABANE: Judge Sabelo Masuku, the former Chairman of the Human Rights Commission has breached judicial code of conduct,he is presiding over a bail application of murder suspect Nhlangano Mayor Mashumi Shongwe who pays his invoices.
The Judge is allegedly a partner at Howe-Masuku Attorneys and towards the end of last year,he was allegedly holding meetings with Mayor Mashumi Shongwe and Councillors in an effort to grab land from Nhlangano street vendors.
Shongwe whose bail application was heard by the High Court this week, is facing murder charges,he allegedly shot and killed his wife Tigezike Magongo-Shongwe amid a domestic dispute.
Reached for comments,the Judge said he was no longer a lawyer hence he cannot comment on such matters.
“I am no longer a lawyer hence I cannot comment on such matters,” said the Judge who is a son to Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku.
In terms of the Prevention of Corruption Act 2006, the conduct of the Judge amounts to corruption and or conflict of interest.
There are high possibilities that if Judge Sabelo Masuku can proceed with the matter and rule in Mashumi’s favour he might,in way or the other,benefits from his judicial decision or return a favour to the Mayor.
When this Swaziland News reached Nhlangano Manicipality Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Bassy Mavuso, he said he was in a meeting and asked that the questions be sent to him via a text message.
“I’m sorry missed your call.Am in a long meeting with Auditors.Please text,”said the CEO who did not respond to the subsequent message sent to him seeking clarity on the matter involving the Judge.
Murder suspect Mashumi Shongwe and Judge Sabelo Masuku.