RAMODIBEDI IMPEACHMENT MORE DAMAGING TO SWAZI JUDICIARY SSN- STATEMENT: 05TH April, 2014 Both Swazi newspapers, the Swazi News and the Weekend Observer, report that the countrys controversial Chief Justice has lost his appeal in Lesothos Supreme Court. The Chief Justice, Michael Ramodibedi, was appealing an earlier ruling made by the Lesotho High court that Lesothos Prime Minister acted within the law when suspending him pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct, which might see him eventually impeached altogether. The timing of this outcome of the Lesotho appeals court could not have been better in the context of the gross vilations of human rights that Ramodibedi finds himself in the middle of in Swaziland. What is very ironic about this outcome is the manner in which it lucidly reveals the king of Swaziland as a man who wants to instill fear within his subjects, as opposed to inspiring genuine respect and adoration. If the last statement of king Mswatis Judicial Services Commission [JSC] is anything to go by then the countrys judiciary wishes to, maintain the authority, dignity and independence of the courts. If the dignity, authority and independence of the courts are to be maintained earnestly then Swaziland cannot afford to have a man who is facing impeachment in his country for misconduct as the Chief Justice. At the very least, he should be given special leave to concentrate on his upcoming impeachment in Lesotho, at worst he should simply be suspended for bringing the countrys judiciary into disrepute. Whatever the case, keeping him in his post while he has a cloud of suspicion hanging over his head will be detrimental to the Swazi judiciarys dignity. Issued by the Swaziland Solidarity Network [SSN] Contact: Lucky Lukhele- Spokesperson 072 502 4141
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:02:12 +0000
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