The drizzle and frigid weather could not keep mourners away as masses gathered late into the night to bid farewell to the late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala.
The night vigil began at around 10pm, with mourners filling a marquee and two side tents as they gathered to pay their final respects to the country’s first Liswati Chief Justice.
The programme featured speeches and messages from former schoolmates, friends, family and residents who came to pay their final respects.
One speaker after another shared personal memories of Maphalala, with many remembering him not only as a senior judicial officer but as a friend, neighbour, family man and community leader.
Pastors took turns delivering messages of comfort and encouragement. The funeral service also provided moments of reflection as those who had known the late Maphalala recalled his character away from the courtroom.
One of the memorable moments came when Mbuso Maphalala recited a poem titled ‘Msindisi yima ngakimi’, adding a deeply personal dimension to the farewell.
The final burial ceremony later took on a State character, reflecting Maphalala’s position as the first Liswati to occupy the country’s highest judicial office.
His casket was draped in the national flag while a gun salute was performed during the burial with trumpets sounded, marking the solemn final moments of the service. High-ranking officers from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force and His Majesty’s Correctional Services took part in the ceremonial salute.
Among those who attended were members of the royal family, government officials, judicial officers, Members of Parliament, members of the legal fraternity, traditional leaders, family members, former schoolmates and residents. Notable faces included Businessman Walter Bennett, Senator Siphelele Mkhonta and Judge Mumcy Dlamini.
The programme included tributes from Indvuna Hhasense, representing Their Majesties; acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini; Dr Sonene Nyawo, representing Matsapha Evangelical Church; Simanga Mamba on behalf of the Judicial Service Commission; Law Society of Eswatini Secretary General Thulani Sibandze; and Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku.
The tributes reflected the many spheres in which Maphalala had left a mark, from the Judiciary and legal profession to the church, community and family.
KEY CAREER MILESTONES
1990: Obtained BProc and LLB from Wits
1992: Entered private legal practice
1996: Served on the Constitutional Review Commission
2002: Appointed to the Constitution Drafting Committee
2009: Appointed High Court Judge
2011: Elevated to the Supreme Court, first Liswati permanent judge of the country’s highest court.
2015: Appointed Chief Justice becoming the first Liswati to hold the position.
2025: Continued regional and international judicial engagements, including advocacy for judicial independence.
2026: Received and subsequently oversaw the public release of the Master of the High Court Commission of Inquiry report.
