PIGG’S PEAK – Morris Nhlanhla Dlamini, the soldier accused of shooting and killing three family members, has been slapped with a total of five charges.
These are three counts of murder and two counts of malicious injury to property. The 53-year old Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) member made his maiden court appearance before Pigg’s Peak Magistrate Sakhele Hlophe yesterday morning. He also consented to giving blood samples to assist the Crown in leading evidence. The accused has been charged with the murder of Andy Dlamini (54), Thandi Lukhele (72) and Dumisile Dlamini (52). It is said that upon or about September 24, 2023, and at or near Lomshiyo area in the Hhohho District, the accused person wrongfully, unlawfully and intentionally (allegedly) killed the trio, all of Lomshiyo and did thereby commit the crime of murder.
Injury
For the two counts of malicious injury to property, the accused person is said to have, on the same day, damaged a brown BMW 1Series valued at E95 000, black Lenovo laptop valued at E5 000 and money in cash valued at E1 000. The items had a combined valued at E101 000, the property of or in the lawful possession of Lungile Dlamini. The accused allegedly further damaged a blue Ford Ranger valued at E1 million, the property of or in lawful possession of Gcebile Dlamini. The Crown moved an application under Section 342(2) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938, for an order authorising the taking of blood samples from the suspect. Magistrate Hlophe advised the accused on the application moved by the Crown to have blood samples extracted from him to lead more evidence on the allegations levelled against him.
Morris was asked if he consented to this application or he had an objection and he responded to the affirmative. The order was granted by Magistrate Hlophe. In the meantime, Magistrate Hlophe ordered that the accused person be remanded in custody until October 18, 2023, pending committal to the High Court. The accused was duly advised that in the event he was desirous to be admitted to bail, he could move a bail application at the High Court, as per the stipulations of Section 95 and 96 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (As Amended). He may do so through the aid of his legal representative or may personally file the application at the High Court.