MBABANE – The return of Matsanjeni South MP Bomber Mamba in Parliament yesterday sparked a debate.
The Member of Parliament (MP) has been absent owing to his pending court case, where he is facing an attempted murder charge. The High Court granted him bail last week and he returned to Parliament yesterday, where he was welcomed by Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga, who was presiding. Sithobelweni MP Bhekitje Dlamini rose on a point of clarity and asserted to the deputy Speaker that he (deputy speaker) had requested the Parliamentarians to welcome back Mamba and they did. However, he was bothered by that sometime back, Mtfongwaneni MP Roy Fanourakis rose on a point of clarity and requested the Speaker to inform the House where the two MPs, who were not in Parliament were, but he was instructed to take his seat without the Speaker responding to his query, only to be informed that he was out of order. Dlamini said it boggled the mind that yesterday, it was the office of the Speaker that took the initiative to welcome back Mamba, while requesting the parliamentarians to welcome him back as well.
Clarity
“We heard about Mamba’s ordeal and we sought insight from the office of the Speaker on the matter, but we were told not to make enquiries about that, but today (yesterday) we are requested to welcome him back. What is it that we are expected to do as parliamentarians? Can the office of the Speaker give clarity on these issues,” he said. The deputy Speaker said prior to the House session, Mamba came to his office to inform the Speaker about his return and he welcomed him back. “I asked him if he was okay that I extend it to the rest of the parliamentarians and he gave it the green light, hence my announcement, that’s the position. However, I will not respond to the other issues you have raised,” he said. Mamba was seen engaging with his colleagues after the House session, shaking hands and sharing light moments, including a brief conversation with the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg.