IN a ruling delivered at the High Court yesterday, Judge Ticheme Dlamini warned that Mduduzi Shongwe could face jail time for failing to deliver a promised car to Miss Eswatini 2024, Temvelo Nicole Mtsetfwa.
The judge ordered that Shongwe could be jailed in renewable 30-day periods until he complies fully with the court order directing delivery of the vehicle. However, execution of this committal order has been suspended for 14 days, and the matter was postponed to March 4 for further directives from the court.
Both sides presented their arguments before Judge Ticheme.
Mtsetfwa was represented by attorney Sihlesenkosi Sabelo Jele from Mdladla Attorneys while the third respondent, Mduduzi Shongwe, was represented by lawyer Martin ‘Internash’ Dlamini.
During the proceedings, lawyer Dlamini told the court that nine Jaecoo J7 vehicles had been delivered to South Africa but were facing processing delays related to customs and revenue clearance.
He explained that Shongwe was currently in South Africa working to resolve these issues, which had prevented delivery of the car on the scheduled date.
Dlamini also mentioned ongoing legal matters affecting the delivery and that he was awaiting proper documentation to substantiate these claims in court.
Judge Ticheme was sceptical of this explanation, pointing out that it contradicted an earlier promise made by Shongwe on December 15, 2025, when he assured the court that the car would definitely be delivered by February 16.
In response, lawyer Dlamini admitted that his client had been “overzealous” in making that commitment.
Attorney Jele countered by accusing the respondents of defying the court’s order. He emphasised that since October 16, 2025, the respondents had failed to file any supporting documents or even an answering affidavit to explain their delays.
Jele urged the court to grant the orders sought by the applicant, stressing that the respondents had been given ample time to comply and to present their case properly.
After hearing both counsel, Judge Ticheme ruled firmly against the respondents. He noted that no opposition papers had been filed to explain why compliance with the court order was impossible.
Instead, only unfulfilled promises and undertakings had been made. The court confirmed the rule issued on October 16, 2025, which declared Shongwe in contempt of court for failing to comply with the order to deliver the Jaecoo J7 vehicle.
The judge ordered that Shongwe be committed to prison in 30-day periods, renewable until the vehicle was delivered as ordered.
However, the court suspended execution of the committal order for 14 days, giving the respondents a final chance to comply. The matter was postponed to March 4, when the court will issue further directives.
The ruling is the latest development in a saga that began shortly after Mtsetfwa was crowned Miss Eswatini on November 30, 2024.
As part of her prize package, she was promised a Jaecoo J7 car, with delivery initially scheduled for December 19, 2024. However, the car was never delivered.
ALSO READ | Family surrenders Valentine’s Day murder suspect
Temvelo entered into a written agreement with Kwando Lifestyle Brands and Oukitel Eswatini, who were partners responsible for marketing and hosting the event, represented by Mduduzi Shongwe as managing director. Despite fulfilling all her obligations, including promotional duties, Mtsetfwa was left waiting for her prize.
After months of delays and ignored demands, her legal team issued a letter of demand on May 28, 2025, which was not responded to.
She then filed a High Court claim and on August 15, 2025, the court granted a default judgment ordering the respondents to deliver the vehicle within seven days.
More than 50 days later, the car has still not been delivered, prompting the contempt proceedings heard yesterday.
