The Royal Eswatini Police Service performed a gun salute as the body of late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala was laid to rest at his parental home in Lawuba. A state funeral was accorded to Maphalala in recognition of his service to the country. The ceremony was marked by military-style honours, including a gun salute. The funeral brought together throngs of mourners from government, the Judiciary, surrounding communities, and the Maphalala family, as well as a representative of Their Majesties.
The funeral was characterized by a solemn silence, with mourners watching the final moments of the life of the country’s late chief justice. Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, stated that the restrained grief was a reflection of the kind of man Maphalala had been. Dlamini said Maphalala had a heart for helping many people, even during grief, and that he also assisted many with their livelihoods.
Speakers at the funeral described the late chief justice as a multi-faceted man whose life extended beyond the courtroom and the Judiciary. He was remembered as a man who was effective in his professional duties, while also taking his responsibilities as a husband, father, and member of the extended family seriously. Speakers said he ensured that his children were provided for and did not have to struggle.
The in-laws from his five wives paid tribute to him, describing Maphalala as a loving person who went beyond the formal title of chief justice. To them, he was not simply the country’s chief justice but a brother-in-law and a member of their families. The tributes painted a picture of a man whose identity was not confined to his position at the head of the Judiciary.
The ceremony took on a particularly solemn character when police officers took over the proceedings for the final journey to the gravesite. The officers carried Maphalala’s casket, covered with the national flag, signifying the State’s recognition of his service to the nation. The casket was customised, dark-brown, and polished, with the name Bheki Cuthbert Moses prominently displayed in gold lettering.
The procession moved towards the gravesite as mourners watched in silence. Before the casket was lowered into the grave, the national flag was carefully removed. The final moments were marked by a gun salute as the casket was lowered. The country’s residents held a vigil as they waited inside a tent, and judges initially carried his body.
Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s professional life was equally recognised during the funeral, with speakers recalling his contribution as chief justice and his role in the country’s justice system. The nation came together to mourn the loss of a distinguished statesman, whose legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- A state funeral was held for Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, attended by government officials, judiciary members, and family.
- The funeral was characterised by a solemn silence and military-style honours, including a gun salute.
- Maphalala was remembered as a multi-faceted man who extended beyond his role as chief justice.
