Mbabane – Mgazini Bucopho Sibusiso Patrick Dlamini has been granted bail of E15 000 by the High Court in a rape case in which he is accused of sexually violating his 22-year-old shop assistant.
The 45-year-old was granted bail by consent on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after applying for his release from custody.
According to the charge sheet, Dlamini allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with Sibonelo Zwane several times during October 2026 at or near Mgazini in the Manzini district without her consent and without using a condom.
The Crown alleges that the offence was attended by aggravating circumstances because Dlamini was the complainant’s employer and allegedly exposed her to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
In his bail application, Dlamini denied the allegations, stating that he had not committed the offence.
He told the court that he was the elected Bucopho of Mgazini Umphakatsi, owned a grocery shop in Mankayane and was the breadwinner for his family, which includes his wife and three children, the youngest aged four months.
He argued that his continued detention would affect his family’s livelihood and disrupt the operations of his business. He also told the court that he suffered from anxiety attacks requiring ongoing medical attention.
Dlamini further submitted that he had a fixed residential address, would not interfere with prosecution witnesses and would stand trial if released on bail.
The court ordered him to deposit E3 000 with the Treasury and provide sureties amounting to E12 000 before his release.
He is also required to surrender his passport or other valid international travel document to the investigating officer at Mankayane Police Station and is prohibited from applying for a new one.
Following his release, Dlamini must report in person at Mankayane Police Station every fortnight, remain within Eswatini and refrain from contacting or interfering with prosecution witnesses. He must also provide the investigating officer with his residential address.
Dlamini was arrested on October 19, 2026, and appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court on October 21, where he was remanded in custody.
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