By Zweli Martin Dlamini

It is surprising that a few weeks after we reported about the resignation of the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Phila Dlamini, senior Prosecutor and Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini’s wife Lomvula Hlophe has been appointed Acting DPP.

The now Acting DPP has been working with the Attorney General(AG) Sifiso Khumalo in facilitating the arrest of pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube,after the then DPP Phila Dlamini refused to be part of the corrupt judicial syndicate that plotted the arrest of the MPs.

It should be noted that Lomvula Hlophe is one of the prosecutors who have been used by the regime to arrest activists merely for expressing their political views or opinions.

The appointment of the now Acting DPP who happens to be the the PM’s wife does not only undermine the doctrine of the separation of powers but an act that seeks to strengthen what could be best described as judicial dictatorship.

Now, the head of the Executive arm of Government being Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini will share a pillow with the head of the criminal justice system Lomvula Hlophe.

This means politically motivated arrests against pro-democracy activists might be discussed and concluded in bed, perhaps during and or after a ‘brief’ sexual-intercourse.

This confirms that our country is ruled by a ‘low minded’ King who disregards the fundamental principles of the rule of law with impunity.

The independence with regards to the role and functioning of the judiciary should not only be demonstrated during court judgments, but such appointments should be seen creating a foundation of an independent and fair justice system that is not conflicted.

As the situation stands, Mswati has appointed an Acting Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) who will now be influenced in bed by his Prime Minister, we don’t expect any justice from Lomvula Hlophe.

But at least her appointment comes at a time when the political climate in the country is slowly changing, so she won’t persecute pro-democracy activists without consequences.