By Colani Khulekani Maseko.

MBABANE:Nonhlanhla Magagula, the Secretary General(SG) of the Swaziland Rural Women Assembly(SRWA) has, on behalf of the organization, released a press statement, blasting government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo for attacking assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s widow Tanele Maseko.

Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder(MSF) was assassinated allegedly by King Mswati for demanding democratic reforms, the Rural Women Assembly further warned Mangololo Chairperson Pastor Phetsa Dlamini for attacking the widow.

“At first the Spokesperson mentioned that Ms. Maseko is cashing out on her husband's death, a statement that is very unSwazi and insensitive.Even in the height of playing political theatrics, there is a line that must never be crossed especially adding or attempting to bully women or widows for that matter.This is especially because widows need to work for their homes and children as widows only exist when they are oppressed and do not receive any help from the government.The attitude of Mr Nxumalo was like petrol spitting on fire which the Prime Minister(PM) didn't even lift a finger to correct and call Mr Nxumalo to order instead the PM joined in under the disguise of 'fighting those slandering and tarnishing the image of the King’ while he has all the rights to be a champion of justice and extend a hand by helping Ms Maseko," reads the statement in part released by the Swaziland Rural Women Assembly Secretary General.

Earlier this month, Alpheous Nxumalo the Government Spokesperson intimidated human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko’s widow with treason charges for expressing herself after the assassination of her husband. 

This comes after the wife to the assassinated lawyer told diplomats and other human rights advocates during the Magnitsky Human Awards in London that her husband was killed by a horrible dictator.

On another note, eSwatini’s main and largest political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) has called for an international investigation into the killing of the human rights lawyer.