By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini Prime Minister(PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini released a statement threatening those who are demanding an investigation into the assassination of highly regarded human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf  Maseko.

As a result,no investigation or an update regarding the assassination of the lawyer who was the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF).

The lawyer was corresponding with international organizations including the Southern African Development Community(SADC) in facilitating a dialogue, as peaceful means to end the eSwatini political crisis.

But on the 21st January 2023, the lawyer was assassinated allegedly by King Mswati’s mercenaries and this,happened a few hours after the King threatened those calling for democracy saying his mercenaries will deal with them.

In the statement,Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini blasted even international human rights organizations for calling for an investigation into Thulani Rudolf Maseko’s death, he said, when Chief Mahloma was brutally killed by the Solidarity Forces,no one among the organizations condemned the killing or advocated for the Chief.

“When Chief Mahloma was brutally murdered by the so called ‘solidarity forces’ in November 2022, no one amongst international organizations and human rights advocates advocated for the Chief or even condemned his killing. Likewise, Police who were at work manning traffic and two warders were killed with no condemnation of this barbaric act of killing innocent lives by international human rights organizations.We,therefore,take exceptional view to commentary by these biased so called human rights watchers.To this end, Government wishes to take this opportunity to caution these individuals and human rights organizations to desist from their malicious campaigns to tarnish the name and reputation of His Majesty the King.Decisive action will be taken against these people and the relevant institutions shall be approached in order for this matter to be addressed once and for all”,said the Prime Minister.

On Saturday, diplomats from the United States(US) Embassy, European Union(EU), United Nations(UN) and the United Kingdom(UK) graced the unveiling of Thulani Rudolf Maseko’s tombstone at kaLuhleko, the lawyer was an internationally recognized human rights defender.

Reached for comments, Sivumelwano Nyembe, the Spokesperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) thanked the diplomats and all those who attended the unveiling ceremony.

“MSF had the privilege of participating in the unveiling ceremony of Comrade Thulani Maseko's grave.His final resting place is marked with poignant words from his time in the dock when he was arrested alongside The Nation editor, Bheki Makhubu. The ceremony served as a fitting tribute to a hero of his stature and aimed to instill his spirit into the hearts of current and future generations of political activists.Distinguished diplomats from the UN, EU, USA, and UK embassies graced the occasion, although notable by their absence were representatives from African states, with no Southern African government sending even a message.The Southern Africa Defenders of Human Rights were in attendance,adding their support to the commemoration”, said the MSF Spokesperson.

But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane,when responding to this Swaziland News earlier said the murder of the lawyer was being investigated by seasoned intelligence adding that,until the police disclose the outcomes, other claims won’t make sense without evidence linking the eSwatini King to the crime.

“Thulani Maseko’s murder is being investigated by seasoned intelligence and until we hear from the police involved in the investigation other claims will continue to fail to make sense to us without evidence linking this filthy  crime with the King.May those who know who killed Mr Maseko tell their story to the police and not to irrelevant ears”,said the King’s Spokesperson.