PUDEMO PRESIDENT MLUNGISI MAKHANYA FILES CRIMINAL CASE OVER DEFAMATION IN BHEKA MAGAGULA MURDER ALLEGATIONS

Mlungisi Makhanya, President of Eswatini’s largest political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), has taken legal action against individuals accusing him of involvement in the disappearance and murder of former warder Bheka Magagula. The accusations, which surfaced through a coordinated social media campaign, have been described by PUDEMO as baseless and malicious, aimed at damaging the party’s reputation and undermining its leadership.

Penuel Malinga, PUDEMO’s Secretary General, confirmed in a statement that Makhanya has opened a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Pretoria Moot Police Station under reference number CAS 198/10/2024. The case, which follows Magagula’s burial, will be transferred to the Silverton Police Station, where a related attempted murder case concerning Makhanya’s poisoning was previously opened.

“Ever since the disappearance and egregious killing of Bheka, certain individuals have made claims that they received distressed calls from the late Bheka alleging he was attacked by ‘the dogs of President Makhanya.’ Instead of responsibly presenting this information to the relevant authorities, these individuals launched a public campaign to malign the President and PUDEMO,” Malinga stated.

The accusations have caused significant reputational harm to Makhanya, PUDEMO leaders, and the party as a whole. PUDEMO views this campaign as part of a broader strategy by agents of the Tinkhundla regime within the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) to discredit the party and its leadership.

The Context of the Allegations

The allegations surfaced following Magagula’s disappearance and subsequent killing, with social media platforms becoming the battleground for the campaign against Makhanya. PUDEMO, however, chose not to respond immediately, prioritizing a dignified burial for Magagula. “The President appealed to the organization to resist the temptation to immediately respond to the slander and allow the preparations and burial of Bheka to take place in a dignified manner,” Malinga explained.

Following the burial, PUDEMO initiated legal action, compiling evidence of the defamatory statements made against Makhanya. Malinga revealed that the President’s support team had combed through extensive social media postings, WhatsApp messages, and other online platforms used to spread the allegations. The identities of the individuals involved and the platforms used have been documented and included in the criminal case.

Broader Implications of the Allegations

PUDEMO believes the coordinated campaign against Makhanya is part of a larger effort by the Tinkhundla regime to undermine the party and derail its pro-democracy efforts. The party has faced ongoing attacks, including the poisoning of Makhanya in September 2024, which is now being investigated alongside the defamation case.

The allegations have highlighted the dangerous environment faced by political leaders in Eswatini. Malinga called for accountability and emphasized the importance of ensuring justice, both for Makhanya and for Magagula’s murder. “The identification of all the culprits involved and the online platforms used to peddle these nefarious allegations has been done. These have accordingly been listed in the President’s case,” Malinga said.

PUDEMO’s Commitment to Justice and Accountability

This legal action reflects PUDEMO’s broader commitment to justice and accountability, both within Eswatini and in its dealings with regional and international allies. The party has repeatedly called for transparency and due process, particularly in cases involving political violence and human rights violations.

As PUDEMO continues to push for democratic reforms, it faces constant attacks from the regime and its affiliates. However, Makhanya’s decision to pursue legal recourse sends a clear message that the party will not be intimidated or silenced.

A Fight for Truth and Democracy

The accusations against Makhanya are part of a larger struggle between PUDEMO and the Tinkhundla regime, where disinformation campaigns are used to undermine pro-democracy voices. PUDEMO’s actions demonstrate its resilience and determination to confront these challenges head-on.

Malinga emphasized the need for vigilance and solidarity within the pro-democracy movement, urging members and allies to stand firm against attempts to divide and destabilize their efforts. As the legal process unfolds, PUDEMO remains committed to its mission of achieving a democratic and just Eswatini, where leaders and citizens can engage freely without fear of persecution or defamation.

This case is not just about clearing Makhanya’s name—it is a fight to uphold the integrity of Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement and to challenge the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent. With this legal action, PUDEMO aims to expose and dismantle the tactics used to undermine its leadership and distract from the broader struggle for justice and equality.