CJ Martha Koome mourns Eswatini CJ Maphalala

Eswatini Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala. [Courtesy]

Chief Justice Martha Koome has condoled with the people of Eswatini following the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, describing him as a distinguished judicial leader whose service strengthened judicial institutions and regional cooperation.

In a statement, Koome extended her sympathies to Maphalala’s family, colleagues in the Eswatini Judiciary and the wider judicial community across Africa.

“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Justice Bheki Maphalala, Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Koome said.

She described the late Chief Justice as a “valued colleague” whose presence and contribution enriched collective judicial deliberations and strengthened ties between judiciaries in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Koome said Maphalala was deeply committed to regional judicial cooperation and solidarity through his leadership and active engagement in the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF).

“Through his leadership and active engagement in the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF), he worked tirelessly to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among our Judiciaries,” she said.

Maphalala died on September 10, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in South Africa, according to reports from Eswatini.

He had served as Chief Justice since 2015, having previously been appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011. He began his legal career as an attorney in 1992 and became a High Court judge in 2009. 

Maphalala was also the first liSwati to be permanently appointed to the Supreme Court and later became the first liSwati to serve as Chief Justice.

His regional role extended beyond judicial administration. As chairperson of the SEACJF, he participated in discussions on judicial independence, human rights, electoral justice and emerging challenges facing African judiciaries.

In May 2026, he addressed judges on the implications of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for electoral justice.

Koome said the challenges confronting African judiciaries are best addressed through collaboration, experience-sharing and sustained dialogue.

“At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his colleagues in the Judiciary of Eswatini, and all those whose lives he touched through his public service,” she said.