Mbabane – Fifteen pastors of the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC) have been released on bail after their arrest for contempt of court, following a High Court ruling that sentenced them to seven days in jail. Judge John Magagula granted the bail on their own recognisance while their appeal is being considered by the Supreme Court.
The case stems from a four-day conference at Nyandza High School on August 28 that proceeded despite an urgent court order barring the event. Only one pastor, Terrence Mtetwa, had been properly served with the original application, with the others convicted without due process, according to the appeal.
The pastors’ appeal raises 17 grounds, including claims of denial of a fair hearing, reliance on unverified affidavits, misapplication of orders to non-parties, and that the seven-day jail sentence was harsh and disproportionate. Supporters of the pastors gathered outside the Mbabane Police Station yesterday, praying for their release, which was granted ahead of the Supreme Court hearing.
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