Eswatini prosecution seeks protection for witnesses in Shongwe trial
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini’s prosecution says witnesses in Mashumi Shongwe’s murder trial could be in danger and has asked for their identities to remain concealed. It cited a recording shared on social media that allegedly contained a call to eliminate witnesses and a judge, according to arguments presented before the High Court.
Eswatini’s prosecution has asked for the identities and addresses of some threatened witnesses in Mashumi Shongwe’s murder trial to be protected, prosecutor Ngcebo Lukhele told the High Court on Monday. He cited an audio recording circulating on social media which allegedly contained a call to eliminate witnesses and a judge.
Judge Sabelo Masuku adjourned the case until 3 November 2026 to determine whether the prosecution should file a formal application to redact the witnesses’ statements. The defence will be able to respond to the application. The trial was due to open on Monday, but Shongwe’s lawyer asked for time to examine two statements received the previous day and consult his client.
Shongwe is accused of murdering his wife, Tigezile Magongo, a police officer shot dead at their home in Nhlangano on 30 November 2022. The prosecution said the two statements had been obtained from partners in South Africa and that the necessary procedures had delayed their disclosure to the defence.
