Two of the three MPs who are leading calls for democratic reforms in parliament were arrested and charged with the suppression of terrorism Act 2008 on the strength of an order issued by King Mswati lll. The two MPs are Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. They were arrested on the 25th of July 2021.
The third MP is Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane. King Mswati lll also allegedly issued an order to arrest Magawugawu,he is wanted by police on terrorism charges.
The two MPs Bacede and Mthandeni are currently kept in a prison after the judge Mummcy Dlamini dismissed the bail application.
After the refusal of the bail of the two MPs, residents from the constituencies where the two MPs stands for marched to the nearest police station . This was to surrender themselves to the state police as part of the protests demanding the release of the two MPs who were arrested for terrorism after calling for democratic reforms.
Another bail application was submitted but again Judge Mummcy Dlamini dismissed the bail application on the 09 of August 2021. She was obviously acting on the strength of the royal order from King Mswati lll. Unfortunately the whole country including the Judiciary is held hostage by one man whose thinking capacity was exposed during the recently held Sibaya.
Same like political activists, It is a norm in the Kingdom of Eswatini that anyone who raises a voice and demand democracy ends up facing the Suppression of Terrorism Act 2008. Being Arrested, tortured and the worst killed.
This has to stop, we are calling on the King to hear the people of Eswatini and advocate for political reforms. We are calling on the International Human Rights Organisation to intervene . King Mswati has to face justice for human rights violation and brutal killing of Eswatini people.✊🏿✊🏿
By: Rainny Nomvula Dlamini
References:
Protest photos on Flickr - Click