STOP THE HARASSMENT OF TANELE MASEKO: ESWATINI MUST UPHOLD JUSTICE AND RIGHTS
The Eswatini government’s treatment of Tanele Maseko, widow of the late human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, is a glaring example of the state’s persistent efforts to intimidate and silence voices demanding justice. On March 27, as she crossed the Oshoek Border from South Africa into Eswatini, Tanele was detained, her passport flagged by border officials, and her mobile phone confiscated without proper authorization. This unjustified harassment is a clear violation of her fundamental rights to liberty, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression.
Eswatini authorities claim Tanele’s detention is tied to an investigation into the murder of her husband, Thulani Maseko. Yet, rather than seeking accountability for his assassination, the state appears intent on punishing those calling for justice. Tanele’s passport and phone remain withheld, underscoring the government’s misuse of the criminal justice system as a weapon against individuals who dare to speak out.
The judicial harassment of Tanele and her family is not just an attack on her rights but also a stark reflection of the government’s priorities. Instead of focusing on investigating Thulani Maseko’s brutal killing, Eswatini authorities are choosing to intimidate the very people seeking truth and accountability. Thulani’s murder, carried out in January 2023 by unknown gunmen, was part of a broader crackdown on critics of the monarchy, many of whom had called for political reform or exposed abuses of power. His death remains uninvestigated, with no transparency or meaningful action from the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
The confiscation of Tanele’s passport and phone constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights laws, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Eswatini is a state party. These treaties guarantee freedoms of expression and movement—rights that the Eswatini government has systematically trampled upon.
Tanele has been unwavering in her campaign for justice for her husband, becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of oppression. Her advocacy for transparency and accountability has made her a target for a regime that fears scrutiny. This recent episode at the border is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader strategy to intimidate activists and silence dissent.
The actions of the Eswatini government demand condemnation. Instead of harassing Tanele and her family, authorities must prioritize conducting a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into Thulani Maseko’s assassination. Justice delayed is justice denied, and the state’s continued failure to address this heinous crime only perpetuates a culture of impunity.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to these abuses. The harassment of Tanele is a violation of human rights and a tactic to distract from the government’s inaction on Thulani’s murder. Pressure must be applied to ensure that Eswatini upholds its commitments to human rights treaties and respects the rule of law.
The bravery of individuals like Tanele, who stand firm against intimidation, is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the fight for justice. But she should not have to face this battle alone. It is time for all of us—citizens of Eswatini and the world—to demand accountability, fairness, and an end to the harassment of those who fight for truth. Justice for Tanele is justice for Thulani, and it is justice for Eswatini. The authorities must stop weaponizing the criminal justice system and begin addressing the root causes of the nation’s crisis. This is not just a matter of law; it is a matter of dignity and humanity.
