Mbabane – The High Court has granted E50,000 bail to a 32-year-old man from Ntfonjeni who is facing charges of aggravated rape under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act.
Judge Mavuso issued the order today, May 15, 2026, releasing Ayanda Yoza Dlamini from custody. Under the conditions of his release, Dlamini was ordered to pay E5,000 in cash, with the remaining E45,000 secured through property surety. The prosecution did not oppose the urgent application following Dlamini’s two-month detention at the Piggs Peak Correctional Facility.
Dlamini faces a charge of contravening Section 3(1) of the SODV Act of 2018. The state alleges that on March 1, 2026, near the Buhleni Royal Residence, he engaged in an unlawful sexual act without a condom with a 53-year-old woman.
The Crown noted that the charge carries aggravating circumstances due to the trauma inflicted and the health risks associated with the non-use of protection.
Furthermore, the prosecution has given notice that it intends to apply to place Dlamini’s name on the National Register for Sex Offenders upon conviction .
In his founding affidavit, Dlamini maintained his innocence and stated that he plans to plead not guilty. He argued that the sexual encounter was consensual, asserting that the complainant was his girlfriend.
Dlamini sought the urgent intervention of the court on health grounds, citing severe and unpredictable asthma attacks that were exacerbated by the freezing and overcrowded conditions inside the correctional facility.
His attorney, Thomo Vusi of Thomo and Maziya Attorneys, submitted a certificate of urgency highlighting these exceptional personal circumstances.
The defense argued that Dlamini is the sole breadwinner for his three minor children and needs to provide physical and financial support to his heavily pregnant girlfriend, who is expected to give birth later this month.
The defense also emphasized that Dlamini is a liSwati citizen with no foreign travel documents and has cooperative ties with investigating officers, proving he is not a flight risk.
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