By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: “I will not flee the country, some of us must sacrifice and go to prison while others continue to push the struggle”.

These were the final words of pro-democracy Member of Parliament(MP) Bacede Mabuza when speaking to this journalist a few hours before his arrest.

This journalist had called the MP and asked if he was aware that police were coming to arrest him.

The influential MP who was leading the calls for democratic reforms in Parliament together with the then Siphofaneni MP Mduduzi 'Magawugawu' Simelane and Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube was subsequently arrested and is facing politically motivated charges.

Reached for comments, pro-democracy Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni said the Hosea MP demonstrated his love for the people for going to prison on their behalf.

“These words proved that Bacede loved the people and his country such that he decided to go to prison. He did exactly what an MP should do as a demonstration of love for the people”, said the Nkilongo MP.

MPs Bacede Mabuza, Mthandeni and Magawugawu Simelane made history in the Swazi politics when they openly challenged Mswati’s regime, demanding democratic reforms.

The King subsequently issued an order to the police to arrest them and thereafter, a political unrest erupted.