The Law Society of Eswatini (LSE) has distanced itself from the socialite and poet alleged to have severely battered his girlfriend.
The LSE clarified that the alleged perpetrator — previously referred to as a lawyer — is not a qualified legal practitioner.
LSE Secretary General Kwanele Quinton Magagula said yesterday that the accused was not a member of the Law Society. The accused’s name will not be published until he has appeared in court.
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According to the country’s Legal Practitioners Act, a member of the LSE is any person admitted and enrolled as a legal practitioner. Section 35(2) states that any member whose name has been removed from the roll or register ceases to be a member, and any suspended member loses the rights and privileges of membership during suspension.
Social Media Speculation
The validity of the socialite’s claim to be a lawyer was questioned by social media users who claimed to know him. Some alleged that the poet had, on several occasions, presented himself as a legal practitioner employed at SM Jele Attorneys.
Out of concern, sources said some legal practitioners reported him to the LSE. Others alleged that, although the poet was a regular at the country’s courts — even the High Court — he was not qualified to represent clients legally.
Questions also arose about the capacity in which he had been “assigned” tasks in court, especially since on Monday, SM Jele Attorneys, where he was reportedly employed, issued a statement addressing him as a “colleague” placed on special leave pending an internal investigation.
Law Society Statement
In its own statement, the LSE clarified that the accused is neither an attorney nor an articled clerk. It confirmed that last year, reports surfaced of the accused representing himself as a legal practitioner employed by SM Jele Attorneys.
Magagula said the Law Society engaged S.M. Jele, who is a recognised member of the LSE and the employer of the accused, and was assured that the accused is not representing himself as a legal practitioner and not appearing in court.
Position on Gender-Based Violence
The LSE also took the opportunity to vehemently condemn gender-based violence (GBV) in any form.
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