MBABANE:Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson says, King Mswati never issued any order or unleashed warders to assault incarcerated pro-democracy Member of Parliament(MP)Bacede Mabuza adding that, the leadership of the Correctional Services “is better positioned to provide answers” in this regard.
Responding to this Swaziland News on Thursday afternoon after being asked to clarify allegations suggesting that,the absolute Monarch issued the order and that,he was plotting to systematically use his security forces to kill the MP who was arrested for demanding democracy in Parliament,the Spokesperson consistently maintained that,the King was not a warder who can “give orders” to that effect.
“We have no reasons to believe the claim even with the senses of half a dead fly.The King is not a wander;he can’t give an order to that effect.Warders take orders from other warders in the chain of command and not from the King.That he is Commander- General-in Chief of the Eswatini Correctional Services does not give him responsibility or duty to effect administrative or operational duties.Like all Heads of State around the world,he is not involved in the daily operation of junior or senior warders such that he can give them orders.We believe the Correctional Services leadership is better placed to explain who manhandled Mr Mabuza and why.That is where the world will be able to pick a clue and the king would be spared what currently looks like a slender campaign against him”, said the King’s Spokesperson.
It has been disclosed that, the King through Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini allegedly issued the order to assault the MP during the main day of the recently held Tinkhundla Elections.
As a result, over one hundred(100) warders were unleashed on the MP and while assaulting him,they were allegedly shouting;
“You will know King Mswati today, the country is facing political instability because of you.Utawuyati iNkhosi Mswati namuhla, lelive linjena nje nguwe lowacala lentfo”.
A questionnaire was sent to Phindile Dlamini, the Commissioner General of the Correctional Services, however,she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Sicelo Mngomezulu, the lawyer representing the MP confirmed to this Swaziland News earlier that, his client was assaulted.
“It’s true, we can confirm that the MP was assaulted and his family was then blocked from delivering food, lawyers are also not allowed to see him”,said the lawyer.
On Thursday, the Times of eSwatini reported that MP Bacede Mabuza ran to court again seeking to sue Government R6million after the assault that almost cost him his life.
Eswatini has been facing a political crisis,the Southern African Development Community(SADC) recommended a political dialogue that was delayed or rejected by King Mswati who labelled those calling for democracy as terrorists.
King Mswati.