By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MANZINI:King Mswati’s picture that was placed in a billboard meant to welcome Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was,on Friday night,removed by unknown people while that of the popular President was spared.

This comes in the midst of ongoing protests in this tiny Kingdom of eSwatini where citizens are using various strategies to send a message to King Mswati that they want him removed from the Throne to allow for a democratically elected Government.

Eswatini is not democratic,Mswati rules the country as an absolute Monarch with Executive,Judicial and Legislative powers, political parties are banned from participating in elections.

The billboard was placed at Ka-Khoza overhead bridge about one(1)kilometre away from the densely populated Manzini City Centre.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said the removal of the billboard remained a criminal offense adding that the police would carryout deligent investigations and bring the culprits to book.

“Billboard removed from kakhoza, is a criminal activity and the police will carryout diligent investigations accordingly and bring the culprit/s to book”,said the Government Spokesperson.

But human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko when responding to questions from this publication said the removal of the King’s picture was line with freedom of expression by the people who were not happy with Mswati’s leadership.

“Freedom of expression takes different forms,it takes the form of expression through words,written statements and by conduct.The removal of the King’s picture or portrait goes into the hearts of the people, expressing themselves about their unhappiness in the manner in which the King and his Government rule the country,” said the human rights lawyer.

The human rights lawyer reminded Government that Mswati is the King and or a public figure,therefore he will be subjected to harsh criticism by the people if they are not happy with his leadership.