Mbabane businessman Zweli Welile Dlamini, who is facing charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act appeared before the High Court yesterday for a pre-trial hearing under tight security, where he was escorted by heavily armed correctional officers.
Officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services, who were visibly armed, accompanied the accused to court and ensured that no one got close to him as he entered the courtroom. Dlamini is facing five counts including contravening Section 5(2) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 read together with the provisions of Section 2(2)(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of the same Act.
On his previous court appearances, he was represented by lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi during the proceedings. Court documents indicate that Dlamini admitted that he had been found in possession of a grenade, a firearm and ammunition. However, he maintained that the items were not intended for criminal activities.
He had reportedly told the court that the grenade had been purchased from a security shop in Pretoria, South Africa, and that the items were linked to his business operations in the security sector.
Dlamini further stated that he was a businessman and entrepreneur, who owned and operated enterprises in both Eswatini and South Africa. He said one of his businesses in the kingdom traded under the name Welz Collection, operating as ‘Combat Zone’ in Mbabane.
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Dlamini had also submitted that there had never been any intention, plan or preparation to use the ammunition in any criminal enterprise.
He maintained that there had been no plan to use the items in the commission of any terrorist act as alleged by the prosecution.
Meanwhile, the High Court had earlier dismissed Dlamini’s application for bail. In its ruling, the court noted that Dlamini held dual citizenship, which it said could make it easier for him to evade trial through informal border crossings.
The court had also observed that the accused had business interests in South Africa, which could allow him to continue operating outside the country if released on bail, thereby increasing the risk of him absconding trial. The bail application was dismissed by Justice Mavuso.
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