ONE YEAR AFTER THULANI MASEKO’S ASSASSINATION: WE DEMAND JUSTICE
One year has passed since the brutal assassination of Thulani Maseko, and justice remains a distant hope. On January 21, 2023, Thulani was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his home in Luyengo. His killing marked a dark turning point for Eswatini, exposing the extreme lengths to which the monarchy will go to silence dissent. Thulani was more than a human rights lawyer; he was a voice of resistance, a symbol of hope, and an advocate for justice in a nation that continues to suppress its people. Yet, a year later, his death remains shrouded in silence and inaction.
The absence of a transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into Thulani’s killing is a glaring indictment of Eswatini’s justice system. Despite calls from human rights organizations and the international community, the authorities have done little to ensure accountability. The police issued a vague statement in August 2023, claiming that the investigation was progressing and a breakthrough would come once “technicalities are sorted.” However, this statement, like so many from the government, has proven to be an empty promise. Thulani’s family has received no updates, no assurances, and no meaningful engagement from the authorities. This silence is not just troubling; it is deliberate. It reflects a broader culture of impunity and disregard for human rights that has become synonymous with Eswatini’s monarchy.
Thulani’s assassination came amidst an escalation of violence against critics of the state. Many of those targeted had called for political reforms or exposed abuses of power. The day before his murder, King Mswati III publicly declared that those advocating for democracy would be “dealt with.” This statement now echoes ominously in the context of Thulani’s death. It is impossible to ignore the connection between the monarchy’s rhetoric and the violent acts carried out against its critics. Thulani’s assassination was not an isolated incident; it was a calculated move to intimidate and silence anyone daring to demand a better Eswatini.
The lack of justice for Thulani is part of a larger pattern of systemic failures. Eswatini’s government has consistently shown its unwillingness to protect human rights defenders or create an environment where activists can work without fear of reprisal. This failure is not just a betrayal of Thulani’s memory but a betrayal of the people of Eswatini. By allowing his killers to walk free, the monarchy sends a chilling message: dissent will not be tolerated, and those who challenge the system will pay the ultimate price.
The responsibility for ensuring justice for Thulani does not rest solely on Eswatini’s government. The international community must take a stronger stance against the monarchy’s abuses. Diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and sustained advocacy are needed to hold the regime accountable and protect those fighting for democracy. Thulani’s assassination has drawn international condemnation, but words alone are not enough. Action is required to disrupt the cycle of violence and impunity that plagues Eswatini.
Thulani’s work was not in vain. His legacy lives on in the struggle for justice and democracy in Eswatini. He was a man of courage and conviction, willing to speak truth to power even in the face of grave danger. His assassination was intended to silence that truth, but instead, it has strengthened the resolve of those who continue to fight for the ideals he championed. Thulani’s widow and family, who have endured unimaginable loss, deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve to see justice served.
As we mark one year since his death, we must remember what Thulani stood for. He believed in a future where every citizen of Eswatini could live free from oppression, speak without fear, and demand a government that truly represents its people. That vision remains alive, carried forward by those who refuse to let his death be in vain. Justice for Thulani is not just about holding his killers accountable; it is about dismantling the structures that allow such crimes to occur. It is about building an Eswatini where human rights are respected, where the rule of law prevails, and where no one is above accountability.
Thulani’s assassination was a tragedy, but it has also become a symbol of the urgent need for change. His death has galvanized a movement that will not rest until justice is achieved. For Thulani, for his family, and for the countless others who have suffered under this regime, the fight for justice continues. It is a fight that belongs to all of us, and it is a fight we must win.
