INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE MOUNTS AS KING MSWATI TRIES TO STAGE FAKE FORGIVENESS FOR JAILED MPs
In a desperate bid to dodge international embarrassment, King Mswati is allegedly staging a political performance disguised as mercy, as pressure mounts from global bodies to release pro-democracy Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. At the heart of this drama is also exiled MP Mduduzi “Magawugawu” Simelane, whose unconditional return home is part of international demands.
According to an independent investigation, representatives from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) recently visited the jailed MPs. Bacede Mabuza confirmed through a family member that they had been visited in prison and were assured that efforts to secure their release are ongoing. The representatives hinted that discussions could soon reach King Mswati’s inner circle.
However, behind the scenes, the regime is trying to save face. Sources claim that the King is pushing a fake clemency narrative by manipulating MP Mthandeni Dube’s desperation for freedom. The plan, insiders say, is to have Dube apologise publicly so that the King can appear as a merciful leader, rather than someone bowing to international pressure.
“This is all a political game,” a high-level source said. “The King doesn’t want to be seen as weak or pressured into anything by foreign powers. By making it seem like Mthandeni is asking for forgiveness, it becomes a show of royal generosity. But the truth is, there is growing pressure, just like during the cases of Bheki Makhubu and Thulani Maseko. There was an order to release them quietly through the courts. Same script, different actors.”
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prince Simelane added fuel to this performance when he knelt before the King during Correctional Services Day in Matsapha Prison. Social media erupted as he claimed he was delivering a forgiveness plea on behalf of MP Dube.
“I’ve been asked by Mthandeni Dube, umfana wakho Ngwenyama, to wish you a long life. He further asked me to be his lincusa (mediator) when approaching the King to apologise,” the Minister said publicly. The King responded by highlighting the importance of forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane claimed that MP Dube was merely exercising his “constitutional right” to seek clemency. But for many emaSwati, this so-called constitutional right is just window dressing. Dube was sentenced to life in prison for terrorism—yet the only real “crime” he committed was calling for democratic reforms.
Simelane added that parole is constitutional and that decisions lie with the Correctional Services Commissioner General. However, these statements don’t change the fact that the entire legal process has been manipulated to serve political interests. Mabuza, Dube, and Simelane were never tried fairly. They were punished to send a warning to any MP who dares to challenge absolute monarchy.
The IPU has reportedly raised the MPs’ issue several times at global forums. They want both imprisoned MPs released and MP Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane allowed to return without fear of arrest or harassment.
This moment is critical for Eswatini. The regime is feeling the pressure, and instead of real reform, it’s choosing public spectacles. But no amount of kneeling or staged apologies can hide the truth: these MPs were jailed for speaking for the people. And until they are free, Eswatini will remain a kingdom ruled by fear—not law.
