Subsequent to that statement, a post-mortem on the body of the deceased was duly conducted by the state pathologist, jointly with a pathologist from Mozambique appointed by the family of the deceased.

In my statement, I gave the assurance that we would get to the truth of what physically caused the death of Mr Zavale and the circumstances in which he died.

The procedure for examining the findings of the post-mortem and interrogating the circumstances of the death is to appoint a coroner to conduct an inquest in accordance with the Inquest Act of 1954. It is my responsibility, today, to make that appointment and it is my honour to appoint Ms Nondumiso Simelane, a highly qualified and experienced Principal Magistrate, as coroner.

Ms Simelane will conduct the inquest without delay, the hearings taking place at His Majesty’s Correctional College in Matsapha. A Principal Crown Counsel, Mr Sandile Dlamini, will question witnesses in order that all relevant information is presented to the Coroner who will then give judgment at the end of the inquest, based on all the information and representations.

The inquest will meet the very highest ethical and professional standards of impartiality. The sole purpose of the inquest is to establish the truth in an entirely transparent manner. Following the conclusion of the inquest, the report of the coroner will be submitted to the Attorney-General, with a copy to my Office, as quickly as possible. As Minister responsible for the Royal Swaziland Police I give my firm assurance that the Police will cooperate fully to meet the requirements of the inquest.

I take the opportunity, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, to repeat our sincere condolences for this tragic incident to the immediate family, other relatives and friends of the deceased person as well as to the entire Mozambican community resident in Swaziland and elsewhere. We again thank the Mozambican High Commission in Swaziland for its continuing cooperation and assistance.