Africa-Press – Eswatini. Senators have called on the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, to review the current application of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act to ensure that it is implemented with integrity and in line with its original intentions.
This call was made during the 2025/26 first quarter performance debate of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on July 28, 2025. Concerns were raised over the possibility that the Act might now be misused by individuals to target others unjustly, rather than being used purely as a tool to protect victims of gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
Chairing the debate, Senator Isaac Mmemo Magagula urged the ministry to assess whether the Act is still being enforced in good faith. He emphasized the need for fairness and objectivity in how the legislation is applied, warning that misapplication could undermine its purpose and damage the credibility of the justice system.
In response, the minister acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to looking into the matter, although he clarified that the SODV Act currently falls under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. Nonetheless, he committed to working collaboratively to review its application.
The debate also highlighted several other concerns raised by senators. Senator Lorraine Nxumalo called for improved efficiency and impact from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), while Senator Princess Ntfombiyenkhosi questioned the slow pace of concluding money laundering cases.
Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli urged the Ministry to ensure that all its departments and affiliated institutions extend their services to all corners of the country. He noted that citizens across Eswatini expect tangible service delivery, and government agencies must ensure accessibility and efficiency to meet public expectations.
In response to these issues, Minister Simelane reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the raised concerns and improving service delivery. He emphasized the importance of listening to the nation’s concerns and aligning efforts with the values of the Tinkhundla system of governance, which emphasizes people-centered service.
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