By Wendy Magagula

MBABANE: Press freedom is once again under attack in this tiny kingdom

of eSwatini. 

The Times has been interdicted from reporting about a statement recorded by an alleged member of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF),Sibusiso Nxumalo.

Reached for comments Nqaba Matshazi, the Coordinator of the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), said he will have to follow the case first before commenting.

"I will have to follow the case first and understand it before commenting,”he said.

The Times has been exclusively reporting about statements recorded by the alleged members of the Underground Forces, however, National Commissioner William Tsintsibala Dlamini subsequently ran to court on Tuesday to stop the daily newspaper.

Reached for comments, Times of eSwatini News Editor Cassandra Shaw confirmed that the newspaper has been interdicted but referred comments to Managing Editor Martin Dlamini.

"It’s true, it’s a matter that is in court, but the rightful person to speak is Martin," said Shaw when speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.

Responding to our questionnaire, Times of eSwatini Managing Editor Martin Dlamini said they were still consulting with their legal team.

"Afternoon, we are still consulting our legal team on the matter,"said the editor.

On another note, Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini condemned the courts for colluding with the Executive arm of Government in censoring the media and undermining the constitutional right to information.

“This is what we are fighting against, censoring the media. Journalists must be allowed to report what is happening, it seems media freedom in the eyes of this government exist when journalists report what favors them.The Times must be allowed to publish what is contained in the statements by arrested alleged members of the Solidarity Forces.We want to know who is implicated, even if it’s high-profile people; this is not a private matter but a political case of international interest," said the editor.