By Nokwanda Mamba

MBABANE: On 13 December, government published a press statement refuting reports suggesting that King Mswati had ordered the arrest of high profile individuals as reported by the Swaziland Solidarity Network(SSN).

This include Prophet Gcina Mtsetfwa, Sibahle Sinje Chairman Musa Nkambule, journalist Musa Ndlangamandla and Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini. 

“It has come to the attention of Government that there are several news articles published mainly by South African media insinuating that His Majesty King Mswati III has issued a decree to arrest four Emaswati on a treason charge. This is misleading information which has no basis or fact” read part of the statement. 

After government published the statement, police went after all these individuals, Gcina Mtsetfwa had to skip the country fearing for his life.

On 13 April 2020, Acting Government Spokesperson published another press statement trying to clarify that King Mswati who has been missing from public eye is fine and health after reports suggesting that he was in a critical condition at Manzana hospital emerged.

“Government wishes to warn perpetrators of such information that they are in breach of the COVID-19 regulations and risk prosecution” read the statement in part.

It remains to been seen if this government statement will not be proven misleading as the events unfolds in the country.

Last week, this Swaziland News reported that King Mswati was in a critical condition, Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze asked the Nation to pray.

Acting Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini did not respond when asked why he thinks government press statements should be believable considering the misleading information that come from his office.