GOVERNMENT has expressed profound sorrow following the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, describing his passing as the end of a significant period in the leadership of the country’s Judiciary.
In a statement issued by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini yesterday, government extended its condolences to the late CJ Maphalala’s family and loved ones, as well as members of the bench, the legal fraternity and others who worked with him in the administration of justice.
Dlamini said the condolences were conveyed on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, government and the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Maphalala served on the bench for over a decade, first as a judge of the High Court and subsequently of the Supreme Court, before being elevated to the position of chief justice in 2015.
According to the PM, his tenure as head of the Judiciary coincided with an important and consequential period in the development of the country’s justice system.
Dlamini highlighted the late chief justice’s commitment to the principle of judicial independence, saying he consistently affirmed the importance of an independent Judiciary during his time in office.
“His passing marks the close of a significant period in the leadership of the kingdom’s Judiciary,” he said.
The prime minister said CJ Maphalala’s passing was a loss not only to his family, but also to the legal profession and those, who worked alongside him in the administration of justice.
He conveyed government’s condolences to his colleagues on the bench, members of the legal fraternity, close associates and all those, who worked with him.
Dlamini called on God to give the bereaved family strength to endure their loss and provide them with comfort, counsel and peace during the difficult period.
He also prayed for all those mourning the CJ’s death, asking that they be granted fortitude in the days ahead.
Maphalala passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning while receiving medical attention in a South African hospital.
