THREE YEARS AFTER THULANI MASEKO’S ASSASSINATION, JUSTICE REMAINS DENIED

It has now been three long and painful years since the assassination of Thulani Maseko, a highly respected human rights lawyer who was brutally shot dead at his home on 21 January 2023 in Eswatini. Three years later, not a single person has been held accountable for his killing. The silence, the delays, and the lack of justice continue to haunt his family, the legal profession, and the entire human rights community.

Thulani Maseko was not an ordinary lawyer. He was a fearless defender of human rights who consistently challenged injustice, abuse of power, and repression under the absolute monarchy. His assassination sent shockwaves across Eswatini, the Southern African region, and the international community. Many saw his killing as a direct attack on the struggle for justice and democracy in the country.

Despite the seriousness of the crime, investigations into his murder have been painfully slow and surrounded by secrecy. This has raised deep concern among human rights organizations, both locally and internationally. Three years later, the motive for his killing has still not been officially clarified, and no suspects have been brought before the courts.

Amnesty International has repeatedly raised alarm over the lack of progress in the investigation. Speaking to this Swaziland News, the Amnesty International Southern Africa Coordinator said that although the motive behind Maseko’s assassination “remains unclear,” the organization strongly believes he was murdered because of his work as a human rights defender.

Amnesty International stated that it has reason to believe Thulani Maseko was killed in connection with his legal and human rights work. The organization expressed serious concern that the search for those responsible is dragging on, despite repeated calls from civil society, governments, and international bodies for an independent and transparent investigation. According to Amnesty, the failure to act sends a dangerous message that those who commit such crimes can do so without consequence.

The organization has called on King Mswati III to ensure that the killing of Thulani Maseko is promptly, thoroughly, and impartially investigated. Amnesty International insists that anyone found responsible must be brought to justice through a fair trial. It also urged that Maseko’s family be granted access to justice and effective legal remedies, and that they be protected from any form of intimidation or harassment.

The continued lack of accountability has not only deepened the pain of Maseko’s family but has also entrenched a culture of impunity in Eswatini. When a prominent lawyer can be assassinated in his own home and no one is held responsible, it sends a chilling warning to other lawyers, journalists, and activists. It tells them that speaking out comes at a deadly cost.

Eswatini has long been criticised for its poor human rights record, including the suppression of dissent, harassment of activists, and lack of judicial independence. Thulani Maseko’s killing has become one of the strongest symbols of these failures. Each year that passes without justice further confirms fears that the state is either unwilling or unable to protect those who defend human rights.

Three years on, justice for Thulani Maseko remains elusive. His assassination remains an open wound, not only for his family but for all emaSwati who believe in justice, freedom, and the rule of law. Until the truth is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable, Eswatini will continue to be a dangerous place for human rights defenders, and the promise of justice will remain empty words.