MSF SPOKESPERSON REFLECTS ON POLICE COMMISSIONER WILLIAM DLAMINI’S ROLE IN POLITICAL UNREST
Sivumelwano Nyembe, Spokesperson for the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), has issued a statement following the death of William Tsintsibala Dlamini, Eswatini’s Police National Commissioner. While extending condolences to Dlamini’s family and friends, Nyembe highlighted the Commissioner’s pivotal role during Eswatini’s recent political unrest.
“Commissioner Dlamini had a crucial role to play in the Swazi people’s pursuit of understanding the tragic events of June 28th and 29th, 2021, and the subsequent intensification of political violence against the masses of our people,” Nyembe said in the statement shared with Swaziland News on Saturday.
Nyembe emphasized the significance of Dlamini’s actions as head of the police service during the 2021 unrest, which saw dozens of citizens killed, many injured, and others subjected to persecution under his command. “Swazis lost their loved ones as they were killed through his orders as the commander of the police service. Others lost their limbs, whilst others, such as trade unionists, experienced persecution of various kinds,” he said.
The MSF Spokesperson noted that Dlamini’s death leaves a significant gap in efforts to achieve justice for those who suffered during the unrest. Many families, still grieving their losses, had hoped to see accountability for the violent crackdowns, which were widely condemned by pro-democracy movements and international human rights organizations.
Nyembe also pointed to unresolved investigations, including the assassination of MSF’s inaugural chairperson, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who was killed by unknown assailants on January 21, 2023. “Dlamini also passed on whilst the Swazi Nation was still nursing hopes insofar as the conclusion of the investigation regarding the gruesome murder of the MSF inaugural chairman, Comrade Thulani Maseko. His killing by unknown assassins still haunts us even today, and we still await the outcome of such an investigation which Dlamini had promised would be concluded in good time,” he added.
The statement reflects the broader frustration among pro-democracy groups in Eswatini, who continue to demand accountability for state-sponsored violence and the systemic suppression of dissent. For many, Dlamini’s tenure as Police Commissioner symbolizes the challenges of seeking justice within a system that prioritizes the protection of the monarchy over the rights of its citizens.
As Eswatini grapples with its political crisis, the legacy of figures like William Dlamini remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s ongoing struggle for justice and democracy. The unanswered questions surrounding his role in key events, coupled with the unresolved investigations he oversaw, serve as a reminder of the pressing need for transparency and accountability in Eswatini’s governance.
