Swazi Observer

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MAKHANYA NO SHOW AT INQUEST INQUIRY

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi | 2021-07-30

Matsapha - MATHOKOZA Roman Makhanya, the witness accused by Advocate Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila of lying nine times during the on-going Thabani Nkomonye inquest inquiry failed to show up to deliver his evidence before the Coroner yesterday.

Makhanya was expected to appear before the inquest for the second time after last week’s appearance when the matter was adjourned. Mabila last week grilled Makhanya who even went to the extent of making it clear that he was not ready for further cross-examination questions.

Makhanya said he did not know that he had to stick to what he recorded in his statement with the police.

After waiting for him for almost an hour yesterday Makhanya failed to show up before the inquest, Prosecutor Fikile Dlamini from the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the Coroner that they were hoping to proceed with Makhanya unfortunately he was not available.

Dlamini asked the officer who made contact with Makhanya to give them an update on what transpired.

When giving a report to the Coroner the police officer said Makhanya told him that he was not informed about his appearance before the Coroner yesterday.

The officer said he called Makhanya after noting that he was not around. He said Makhanya told him that his boss called him about issues of fuel. Makhanya said his boss forgot to tell him that he was supposed to appear before Coroner yesterday.

When the Coroner asked where was Makhanya when he was called, the Officer said Makhanya informed him that he was at Lomahasha border on the other side which is Mozambique trying to get to the Eswatini side.

After being informed about this update Mabila said there is nothing they can do as their hands are tied. He suggested that matter be postponed for today so that other witnesses can be brought in as time is against them.

Mabila said it is hard to set a date for Makhanya as there has to be deliberations on how he is brought before Coroner.

The Coroner informed the officer to make means and ensure that he make arrangements with Makhanya’s boss so that he can be brought before the inquest.

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