Mbedzi charged with MJ, govender murder By LINDA JELE on June 01,2010 Swazi Times from http://www.times.co.sz/index.php?news=17042
MBABANE – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mumcy Dlamini has alleged that Lozitha bomb suspect Amos Mbedzi killed political activist Musa ‘MJ’ Dlamini and Jack Govender. Dlamini has since added three charges against Mbedzi. Dlamini added two charges of murder and one of illegally being found in possession of explosives. He had initially been charged with two counts, one of contravening section 5(1) read with section 5 (2) a (ii) of the Sedition and Subversive Act of 1993 as amended. He is suspected to have attempted to bomb the Lozitha bridge on September 20, 2008, by placing and assembling explosive devices. Two people, Musa Dlamini and Jack Govender, were allegedly killed during the explosion while Mbedzi was critically injured and rushed to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital. His initial second charge was the flouting of the Immigration Act of 1982, in that he was found to be in the country without a valid passport on the day of the incident. His third count, is murder, in that he allegedly murdered Musa ‘MJ’ Dlamini. Killing He has also been charged with the killing of Jack Govender, whose body remains were allegedly found scattered about, at the Lozitha bridge, during the alleged bombing. The DPP has also laid a charge of contravening the Explosives Act of 1961. He is alleged to have been found in possession of explosives on September 20, 2008 at Lozitha, without a valid permit. He faces a maximum term of 25 years imprisonment if found guilty of the charge. Mbedzi appeared before Justice Bheki Maphalala and he was represented by Leo Gama. The DPP appeared on behalf of the crown.. Matter postponed as SA advocate roped in MBABANE – Lozitha bomb suspect Amos Mbedzi has roped in a South African advocate for his matter against the state. His attorney Leo Gama informed court that he would not be able to have the matter proceed yesterday because he was awaiting the arrival of an advocate from South Africa. He said Mbedzi’s relatives in South Africa had organised the advocate for him. He requested for postponement of the matter to allow him to brief the SA counsel. He further told Justice Bheki Maphalala that the South African advocate could not be in court yesterday because he was attending to other cases. He said the trial dates set for the matter did not suit the advocate and appealed that the matter should be postponed to the end of June 2010. Asked why had he not informed the court earlier about the proposed postponement, Gama said he only learnt on Saturday that Mbedzi’s relatives had organised an advocate for the matter. ...Tight security at the High Court MBABANE – There was tight police security at the High Court yesterday when Amos Mbedzi appeared before the judge. Police manned the High Court gate and searched vehicles and everyone who entered the premises, while the matter was proceeding. Other police officers were placed at strategic points within the High Court premises. The matter was supposed to commence at 9:30am, but was delayed until 10:55am. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mumcy Dlamini, police and Mbedzi’s lawyer Leo Gama were locked in a meeting at the High Court Registrar’s office inspecting the exhibits. The matter was last postponed on March 29, 2010 after it was discovered that some of the exhibits, which had been sent to South Africa for forensic auditing had not been returned. When it commenced the DPP told court that the crown was ready to proceed. Judge is not happy with postponement MBABANE – High Court Judge Justice Bheki Maphalala has expressed concern over the continuous postponements of Amos Mbedzi’s case. He said there was a serious backlog of cases at the High Court, therefore it was important to proceed with matters that have been allocated dates to reduce it. He was speaking during Lozitha suspect bomber Amos Mbedzi’s court appearance, which was supposed to proceed yesterday. Mbedzi’s lawyer Leo Gama requested for postponement of the matter because he had instructed a South African advocate. He said the advocate could not be in court as he was attending other cases. He proposed that the matter should run from June 28 to July 7, 2010. Maphalala said such postponements affect cases because some witnesses die before they testify in court. "The matter was postponed on March 29, 2010 to allow the parties to prepare for the case. I do not want to create the impression that it is the court that is not ready to proceed with the matter. I have also heard that Mbedzi has also complained that the matter is not proceeding," Maphalala said. Mbedzi in ‘jolly’ mood MBABANE – Despite the cold weather experienced yesterday Amos Mbedzi appeared in court in a short sleeved T-shirt. Mbedzi was clad in a navy blue T-shirt and brown pants with sneakers. He seemed to be in a good mood as he was seen smiling when chatting to his lawyer Leo Gama and Correctional Services staff who escorted him. He even had a chat with Royal Swaziland Police officers who kept guard of the High Court premises. The scar on the left side of his face seems to have healed, as compared to the last time he appeared in court. His face was a bit swollen. The last time he appeared, he wore a brown jacket and pants similar to those he wore yesterday. Despite the heavy police presence, the court room was empty; it was filled with plain clothed police officers and a few spectators. Political activist Mario Masuku was also present. external image mdu-mbhedze3.jpg -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. 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