By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MATSAPHA: King Mswati's warders allegedly shouted “eye for an eye” as they assaulted  incarcerated pro-democracy MPs, insiders told this publication.

As exclusively reported by this Swaziland News earlier on Thursday, MPs Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were heavily assaulted with guns by Correctional Services officers inside prison, the order to assault the MPs was allegedly issued by King Mswati.

“Upon arrival they shouted “iso-ngeso” and pretended to be searching all inmates, they started beating the inmates but their main focus was the MPs”, said the insider.

The “eye for an eye” order was issued by King Mswati when addressing police officers during the Police Day at the Police College.

Speaking to this publication earlier, Ben J Simelane, the lawyer representing the MPs confirmed that his clients were assaulted.

Superintendent Gugulethu Dlamini, the Spokesperson of the Correctional Services declined to comment on the matter. 

Dlamini previously told this publication that she would have to get permission from Government before commenting.

“I will have to get permission from Government before commenting”, said the Correctional Services Spokesperson.

Speaking to this Swaziland News earlier, lawyer Ben J Simelane who is representing the MPs confirmed that his clients were heavily assaulted.

“They were assaulted in the early hours today(Thursday), we are still assessing the situation and their condition and we might consider filing an urgent application in court seeking an order that the MPs be examined by doctors,” said the lawyer.

Pro-democracy MPs Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested and charged with terrorism merely for demanding democratic reforms on behalf of the people who elected them.

As per an electronic evidence in our possession, the then Army Commander Jeffery Shabalala confirmed that an order to arrest the MPs was issued by King Mswati who rules eSwatini as an absolute Monarch.