Mbabane – A 60-year-old man from the United Kingdom, Simon Conway, faces multiple domestic violence charges involving his live-in partner, Sandie Falconer. The allegations include strangulation and physical assault.
Conway, a Swati citizen originally from the UK, appeared before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi, facing charges under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, No. 15 of 2018. He pleaded not guilty to the incident that allegedly occurred on June 5, 2024.
In addition to the strangulation charge, Conway faces two other counts of assault. One incident, reported on April 14, 2025, allegedly involved him pouring boiling water on Falconer’s leg and pressing his foot against her stomach. He is also accused of verbally insulting her, including calling her a thief.
During the proceedings, it was noted that Falconer had no nearby friends or relatives to support her amid rising tensions. Concerned for her safety, Magistrate Nhlabatsi suggested she utilize a local shelter for temporary accommodation until the matter is resolved.
Conway, who has lived in Eswatini since 1976, described his relationship with Falconer as both loving and volatile, admitting that alcohol often exacerbates their conflicts. He was granted bail of E2,000 under strict conditions, including refraining from contacting Falconer to persuade her to withdraw the case, and avoiding any violent or provocative behavior.
The trial is scheduled to continue on June 11, 2025, with the magistrate urging the couple to “control alcohol and promote love” in order to foster a peaceful relationship.
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