MBABANE – An unusual case involving an 18-year-old woman from Gobholo was heard at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, where she was charged with the offence of abortion.
According to the charge sheet, Sinethemba Mngomezulu was accused of committing “an offence of abortion.”
It states that Mngomezulu allegedly committed the offence on Sunday, June 1, at the Gobholo area in Msunduza, Mbabane, within the Hhohho district.
“…the said accused person, not being a medical practitioner, did wrongfully and intentionally terminate a pregnancy by using an unknown substance, and thus committed the offence,” reads the charge.
Mngomezulu appeared on Wednesday before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi and was found guilty as charged.
She faced a fine of E5,000 or a five-year custodial sentence.
Before sentencing, Mngomezulu told the court that her actions had been a “mistake” and occurred while she was under the influence of alcohol.
She further explained that she was unemployed and already struggling to care for her other child.
Despite her emotional plea, the court proceeded with sentencing.
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