MBABANE:Sibongile Mazibuko,the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC) has advised political leaders of the various pro-democracy groups to prioritize their safety,as King Mswati’s soldiers intensify the killing of human rights defenders and political activists.
This comes after the death of Thomas Nhlabatsi,the NNLC member who was found dead inside his house at Nkilongo last week.
Nhlabatsi was allegedly killed for leading the petition delivery at Nkilongo during the recent political unrest.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
But before his death,the political activist was allegedly abducted by soldiers who heavily assaulted and subsequently tried to throw him into a dam to be feasted by crocodiles.
“Anyone who is calling for democracy must be very careful these days.Nhlabatsi was first abducted by soldiers during the delivery of petitions, they assaulted and tried to throw him into a dam situated in a farm. After realizing that someone saw them, the soldiers then drove back,assaulted and then dumped him.He called me while in hospital saying, he was afraid that, they might invade the hospital and finish him off. We have a reason to believe that, Nhlabatsi was killed by soldiers because they have been hunting him”, said the NNLC President.
Eswatini is not a democracy, political parties are banned from participating in elections while human rights defenders are arrested,tortured or killed for demanding democratic reforms.
NNLC President Sibongile Mazibuko.