POLICE PLOT TO KILL SWAYOCO PRESIDENT REVEALED DURING WORKERS DAY CELEBRATION
Two state police officers were overheard discussing a plot to kill Sakhile Awviva Nxumalo, the outspoken President of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), the Youth League of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). The conversation occurred outside the Prince of Wales Sports Ground on Workers Day while the officers provided security near the state-owned radio building.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing one officer from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) saying, “kumfanele sale sim-attender lomfana loya ngatsi unenkinga,” loosely translated as, “we must start attending and dealing with that boy, he seems to be a serious problem.” The term “kum-attender” is reportedly a coded phrase used by police to signify plotting to kill political activists and human rights defenders.
Nxumalo was inside the Prince of Wales Sports Ground at the time, shortly after delivering a fiery speech criticizing King Mswati III, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and the government. His condemnation of the regime’s exploitation of workers and disregard for democracy has made him a prominent target of state intimidation and repression.
This incident is not isolated. The Eswatini government has a long history of targeting pro-democracy activists. Human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was assassinated in 2022 following King Mswati’s remarks threatening those calling for democracy. Maseko, who chaired the MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), was reportedly killed in a coordinated operation involving police, the military, and mercenaries.
Similarly, PUDEMO member Sipho Jele died under suspicious circumstances in 2010 after being detained by police. Authorities claimed he committed suicide in prison, but activists and human rights organizations have pointed to evidence suggesting he was killed under orders issued by the monarchy during the 2008 Sibaya gathering.
When reached for comment, PUDEMO Youth League President Sakhile Awviva Nxumalo said he was undeterred by the threats against his life. “I long overcame fear and once you overcome fear, you live in peace because you know that even if you die, you will be dying for a just cause,” Nxumalo stated. “This fight for democracy will never stop until the people are liberated. Even if they kill me or others like Zwemart, others who have witnessed the injustice and brutality will rise.”
Nxumalo also criticized the police for failing to understand that the fight for democracy benefits everyone, including law enforcement officers themselves. “It’s very unfortunate that the police don’t realize we are fighting to liberate them as well because the regime doesn’t treat them like human beings,” he added.
The Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, also faced backlash during the Workers Day event, where he was prevented from addressing the gathering by angry workers. The environment reportedly became so hostile that the PM had to flee for his safety, reflecting the growing frustration and anger among Eswatini’s citizens toward the government.
This revelation of a plot to target Nxumalo underscores the increasingly dangerous environment for pro-democracy activists in Eswatini. The monarchy’s reliance on security forces to suppress dissent and intimidate critics has created a climate of fear, but it has also fueled the resilience and determination of those calling for change.
Despite the ongoing threats, Nxumalo and other pro-democracy leaders continue to push forward, refusing to be silenced. Their courage reflects the growing demand for a just and democratic Eswatini, where the rights of all citizens, including activists and human rights defenders, are respected and protected. As the situation escalates, the international community is being urged to step in and hold the Eswatini government accountable for its actions.
