MBABANE:Evidence has emerged linking Judge Sabelo Masuku to murder suspect and Nhlangano Mayor Mashumi Shongwe.
The Judge who allegedly failed to declare a conflict of interest is,and been benefiting money from Mashumi Shongwe’s decisions in his capacity as Nhlangano Mayor through his law-firm Masuku-Howe Attorneys.
Mayor Mashumi Shongwe is facing murder charges,he stands accused of killing his wife Tigezile Magongo-Shongwe.
Pictures in our possession suggest that a few months ago,the Judge was working on a new Nhlangano Bus Rank project facilitated by the Mayor and murder suspect.In one of the meeting held around October 2022 where Mayor Mashumi Shongwe was present, the Judge addressed Nhlangano Councillors regarding the project,he was charging per/ hour for his services.
It is alleged that Masuku has been continuing with the provision of services to Nhlangano Manicipality behind the scene,even after being appointed a Judge.
As a result,his law-firm is getting paid for the services and by extension, Judge Sabelo Masuku is a financial beneficiary.
Reached for comments earlier,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.
Reached for comments, Dr Siphetfo Dlamini, the Deputy President of the Swazis First Democratic Front(SFDF) said what the Judge did by refusing to declare a conflict of interest will soon catch-up with him.
“What the Judge is doing will surely catch-up with him.We have noted that some public figures including Judges are failing to declare a conflict of interest with an intention to engage in corruption,”said the Swazis First Democratic Front(SFDF) Deputy President.
Judge Masuku during a Nhlangano Town meeting.