Gospel artist Bongani 'Scara' Maziya appeared before Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi at the Manzini Magistrate's Court, facing a charge of contravening Section 8(b) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 2018. Maziya, 42, of Mhlabubovu under Chief Ngongolozi, is accused of compelling a complainant to engage in sexual stimulation without her consent on or about May 29, 2026, at or near Mhlangeni in the Manzini District.
Mxolisi Mvila, a witness in the trial, testified before the court, recounting events surrounding the alleged offence. He stated that the complainant joined them when they collected her from Mhlabubovu Bus Station before proceeding to a house at LaMgabhi. The house was company property used by a man identified as Mathabela when he was in the area. Mvila sat on a chair while Maziya and the complainant used the bed.
According to Mvila, the house was initially dark due to a power outage, but the electricity was restored after about 40 minutes. He testified that Maziya was asleep and talking to the complainant. Mvila later went outside to sit in the vehicle while drinking beer. During this time, the complainant's phone rang, and Mvila took the phone to her. After the conversation, the complainant asked him to return the phone to the vehicle so that it could charge.
Mvila was questioned by the prosecutor about why he left Maziya and the complainant alone in the house. He responded that he felt he was disturbing them and that their conversation gave him the impression that they were in a relationship. However, this impression did not establish the nature of their relationship or what transpired between them inside the house.
Mvila further testified that Maziya later came outside and informed him that they needed to collect a deceased person from Mhlabubovu. He suggested that they take the complainant along so that she could learn the work, but she declined, citing fear. The two men then travelled to Mankayane Government Hospital, where they waited for doctors to provide documentation relating to the deceased.
The court also heard testimony from Thandeka Lelo Shabangu, who knew Maziya through Soft Life Funerals. Shabangu testified that the complainant came to the funeral company's office on May 26, 2026, and reported Maziya to her. According to Shabangu, the complainant alleged that Maziya attempted to undress her with the intention of having sexual intercourse with her, but she resisted.
Maziya, an award-winning Gospel singer, songwriter, and producer, is currently out on E5 000 bail pending the conclusion of the trial. The trial is continuing, with the investigating officer still expected to testify. Maziya will have the opportunity to challenge the Crown's evidence through his legal representation and present his defence.
Key points
- Maziya faces a charge of contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 2018.
- A witness testified that he left Maziya and the complainant alone because he felt he was disturbing them.
- The trial is continuing, with the investigating officer still expected to testify.
