Rape accused cop granted E15 000 bail

Constable Wonder Mabuza (32), the police officer accused of raping a 19-year-old young woman while on duty at Simunye Police Station, has been granted bail by the High Court.

Judge Nkosinathi Maseko fixed bail at E15 000, with E3 000 to be paid in cash and the remainder as surety.
During the bail hearing, Crown Counsel Slindile Sithole strongly opposed the release of the accused, arguing that Mabuza’s position as a police officer placed him in a position to potentially interfere with evidence.
However, Judge Maseko was of a different view as he noted that the complainant was an adult and where bail is deserved, the court would not hesitate to grant it.

“I am sorry Sithole, we will clash on this one,” the judge said firmly. “Where bail is deserved we will grant bail, where it is not, we will not.”
Mabuza’s attorney, Ernest Mavuso, proposed that his client would relocate to Mafutseni and report to the Mafutseni Police Station to address any concerns of interference. The judge welcomed the arrangement and confirmed the bail terms after Mabuza stated that he would reside under the jurisdiction of Chief Ngalonkhulu in Mafutseni and abide by all bail conditions.

Mabuza was visibly emotional upon hearing that he would be released. While standing in the dock with other accused persons, Mabuza repeatedly wiped away tears, seemingly overwhelmed by the judge’s decision.
A fellow accused seated next to Mabuza whispered, ‘You’re lucky’, as the judge announced that bail would be granted despite earlier opposition by the prosecution.
The officer, dressed in civilian clothes, listened attentively as the bail conditions were read to him. He assured the court that he understood and would fully comply with the conditions.

Eswatini Observer Press Reader