KING MSWATI DENIES ORDERING ASSAULT ON INCARCERATED MP BACENE MABUZA

King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane has denied allegations that the monarch ordered the assault of pro-democracy Member of Parliament (MP) Bacede Mabuza, who is currently imprisoned for advocating democratic reforms in Eswatini. Responding to Swaziland News on Thursday, Simelane stated that the King has no involvement in the operational duties of Correctional Services and suggested that the leadership of the department is better positioned to address the claims.

“We have no reasons to believe the claim even with the senses of half a dead fly,” Simelane remarked. “The King is not a warder; he can’t give an order to that effect. Warders take orders from other warders in the chain of command and not from the King. That he is Commander-General-in-Chief of the Eswatini Correctional Services does not give him responsibility or duty to effect administrative or operational duties.”

Simelane argued that the allegations against the King appeared to be part of a “slander campaign” and maintained that only the Correctional Services leadership could explain why Mabuza was assaulted. “That is where the world will be able to pick a clue and the King would be spared what currently looks like a slander campaign against him,” he added.

Reports allege that during the main day of the recently held Tinkhundla elections, Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini, acting under the King’s orders, directed over 100 warders to attack Mabuza. While assaulting him, the warders allegedly shouted, “You will know King Mswati today, the country is facing political instability because of you. Utawuyati iNkhosi Mswati namuhla, lelive linjena nje nguwe lowacala lentfo.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini were unsuccessful, as she had not responded to a questionnaire by the time of reporting.

Mabuza’s lawyer, Sicelo Mngomezulu, confirmed that his client was assaulted and that following the incident, Mabuza’s family was blocked from delivering food to him. Additionally, lawyers have been denied access to the MP. “It’s true, we can confirm that the MP was assaulted, and his family was then blocked from delivering food. Lawyers are also not allowed to see him,” Mngomezulu stated.

The Times of eSwatini reported on Thursday that Mabuza has filed a lawsuit against the government, seeking R6 million in damages for the assault that nearly cost him his life.

Eswatini has been facing a deepening political crisis as calls for democratic reforms intensify. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has recommended a political dialogue to address the unrest, but this has been delayed or outright rejected by King Mswati, who has labeled pro-democracy advocates as terrorists.

The treatment of Bacede Mabuza, a key figure in the pro-democracy movement, underscores the challenges faced by activists in Eswatini. Critics argue that the monarchy uses intimidation and violence to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.

As Mabuza seeks legal recourse for the alleged assault, his case has become emblematic of the broader struggle for democracy in Eswatini. The allegations of torture and systemic repression have drawn widespread condemnation, with activists and human rights organizations calling for accountability and urgent reforms. The question remains whether these calls will lead to meaningful change or be met with further resistance from the monarchy.