MBABANE Highlanders elder Moses Msongelwa Dlamini has applied for the disconnection of electricity at the house he shared with his late spouse, Lindiwe Bindzile Dlamini.
This is amid an ongoing court battle with the deceased’s children over the estate.
This is despite a magistrate’s ruling in September 2024 that all parties are interdicted and restrained from engaging with one another in respect of the home situated at Checkers in Mbabane, pending determination of its status by the relevant structures.
The estate under dispute is valued at E2.5 million.
A caveat was also issued by the Master of the High Court in October 2024 on the estate of Lindiwe, relating to immovable property registered in the name of her surviving spouse in which she had an interest.
A caveat is a warning, condition or limitation attached to a statement, agreement or situation, intended to alert parties before any further action is taken.
It reads in part: “Kindly impose a caveat on the immovable property mentioned, in line with the court order, Magistrate’s Court Case No. 354/2024.”
On Friday, a notice was served by Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) indicating an intention to disconnect electricity at the property, following an application by Dlamini.
The notice cited that the reason for the request was that he wished to sell the house as Lindiwe’s husband.
EEC Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Khaya Mavuso confirmed that the company was aware of the matter.
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Mavuso stated that electricity connection would remain unchanged and that EEC would not proceed with the disconnection pending a court ruling.
He explained that in accordance with procedure, the company was required to issue a notice to the occupants of the home to inform them and allow for objection or acceptance.
He added that EEC had been engaging with the affected customers in line with its established customer service and regulatory procedures.
“EEC wishes to clarify that any application or request submitted to the company, particularly those relating to disconnection, reconnection or changes to supply, must follow a structured and documented process,” Mavuso said.
He explained that the process included, among other requirements, formally notifying affected customers of any intended disconnection initiated by a property owner or applicant and affording such parties an opportunity to object or make representations.
In the present case, Mavuso said EEC understood that the property was the subject of ongoing court proceedings and that the matter was currently sub judice.
He noted that issues of ownership, occupation and disposal of the property were before the courts and governed by existing court orders.
In light of this, he said EEC would not implement or action any request outside, contrary to, or pre-emptive of court judgments or directives.
He added that the electricity connection at the property would remain as is unless and until EEC is lawfully instructed by the courts to act otherwise.
Furthermore, Mavuso emphasised that EEC did not involve itself in private disputes, including those relating to inheritance, ownership, occupation or domestic disagreements.
Such matters, he said, must be discussed, determined and resolved through the appropriate legal and institutional structures, with EEC acting only once there is clarity and lawful instruction arising from those processes.
Where customers are affected by bereavement, disputed occupation or ongoing court proceedings, Mavuso said EEC treated such matters with due care and within the bounds of the law, guided by official documentation and court directives.
He added that EEC remained committed to acting fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law, while ensuring that its actions did not prejudice ongoing legal processes.
The company, he said, would continue to monitor the situation and engage with the relevant parties as appropriate.
