Mbabane – A 43-year-old pensioner from Lwandle area has been granted E50,000 bail by the High Court of Eswatini after being arrested for allegedly raping his 17-year-old daughter.
High Court Judge Justice Langwenya ordered the release of Muzi Vusi Mabuza on Friday, May 22, 2026, following a consent agreement between the defense and the state. Under the strict bail terms, Mabuza must pay E5,000 in cash to the Treasury and provide property or sureties valued at E45,000 to secure his liberty.
Mabuza was arrested on May 19, 2026, by Manzini police. He faces multiple charges under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act 15 of 2018. The state alleges that the unlawful sexual acts occurred between 2025 and May 2026.
The prosecution has noted serious aggravating circumstances in the case sheet. According to court documents, Mabuza allegedly abused his position of parental trust as the victim’s father. The state also notes that he did not use a condom, exposing the minor to the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
In his founding affidavit, Mabuza strongly denied the allegations, calling the charges a fabrication and a witch hunt. He claimed he has never had sexual relations with his daughter and stated his intention to sue the state for unlawful arrest and detention after the trial concludes.
Mabuza had petitioned the court for reduced cash terms, arguing that the standard E15,000 minimum deposit for SODV offenses would amount to a denial of bail due to his poverty. He is currently unemployed and relies entirely on financial handouts from his other children He also cited health concerns, stating that prolonged detention at the Manzini Remand Center would worsen his diabetes.
Justice Langwenya attached several mandatory conditions to the bail order. Mabuza must surrender his passport to the Mafutseni Police Station and is prohibited from applying for any new international travel documents. He is ordered to report to the police station every Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
Furthermore, the accused must remain within the borders of Eswatini and provide his exact residential address to the investigating officer. The court explicitly banned him from contacting, speaking with, or interfering with any prosecution witnesses.
Attorney Khumbulani Msibi of Dlamini Kunene Associates represented Mabuza in the urgent application.
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