Mbabane – Chakaza Dlamini (24) appeared before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi today, facing charges under the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act of 2018. Dlamini is accused of assaulting his 16-year-old nephew with a pool stick, striking him on the head.
The charges stem from a complaint laid by the minor. When questioned by the court, Dlamini stated he was “reprimanding” his nephew for allegedly stealing food from the house to sell and buy cigarettes.
Principal Magistrate Nhlabatsi expressed concern for the minor’s well-being, particularly regarding his absence from school. Dlamini informed the court that his nephew repeatedly drops out despite their efforts to enroll him. When asked about the child’s parents, Dlamini stated the father’s whereabouts are unknown, and the mother is currently renting elsewhere, leaving the minor under his grandmother’s care.
Magistrate Nhlabatsi voiced her belief that the child’s actions are a cry for help, emphasizing a lack of parental care in the situation. “He’s a child in need of safety, there’s parental neglect in this whole situation,” she stated.
Before issuing a sentence, Magistrate Nhlabatsi has referred the matter to the Social Welfare Department under the Deputy Prime Minister’s office. She has instructed the department to locate the minor’s parents, ascertain why they are not caring for the child, and determine why he is not attending school. The Magistrate also suggested the possibility of charging the parents for maintenance and arranging for the boy’s enrollment at Vulamasango.
Dlamini is scheduled to reappear in court on June 19th for sentencing.
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