Swazi Observer

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THIRD LAWYER WITHDRAWS FROM ATM BOMBER CASE

By Phumelele Mtsetfwa | 2025-03-18

An ATM bombing case in Mbabane has been thrown into further disarray as a third lawyer has withdrawn from representing the accused, citing non-payment. The case, involving South African and Eswatini nationals facing 17 charges, has been marred by repeated delays and legal representation issues since its inception in 2022.

Lawyer Sivesonkhe Ngwenya is the latest to withdraw, informing the court through attorney Welile Nsibande that he would no longer represent the accused. This follows the withdrawals of lawyers Linda Dlamini and Advocate Mduduzi "Tsotsi" Mabila, all citing alleged non-payment as the reason for their departures.

The accused, Sicelo Msibi (26), Muziwandile Lukhele (33), Given Mfanakazane Mavuso (19), all from Tjakastaad, South Africa, and Lindani Zitha from Eswatini, face a litany of charges. These include ATM bombings at locations such as the Standard Bank at the Industrial Site along Sheffield Road, and attempted bombings at Nedbank and EswatiniBank at the Swazi Plaza. They are also charged with money laundering, contravening the Immigration Act, the Arms and Ammunition Act, and the Central Bank Order for possession of mutilated bank notes, and kidnapping. The offences were committed between August 6 and 20, 2022.

Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati expressed his frustration with the repeated delays, stating that the court had been lenient but the matter needed to proceed. He noted that the accused first appeared in court in 2022, and despite multiple lawyers representing them, the case has yet to be finalized. Vilakati emphasized that Ngwenya had previously indicated challenges with receiving payment.

"Ngwenya had stated during the last court appearance that his clients had challenges with paying for his services," Vilakati stated. He further added that, "It was unfortunate that the matter had to be postponed again, having started in 2022, but still, it has not been finalised."

The accused apologized for the delays and indicated they would attempt to conduct their own defense moving forward. They were given 10 days to appoint a new legal representative, who would be provided with the necessary documents.

The matter is scheduled to return to court for the commencement of the trial.

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