Africa-Press – Eswatini. King Mswati allegedly told a team of Judges that he would only approve the release of incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube when surrendering the Throne during what he described as “the firing of the last bullet”.
The Judges had gone to try and negotiate with Mswati to at least release the MPs and restore peace and stability in the country,however, the King is said to have stated categorically that he would not release the MPs.
“The King stated that he will not release the MPs but will fight until the last bullet.He said the death of the civilians and the security officers does not affect his Throne ngoba kusafa bantfu nje. Utsi yena usengakacali kusebentisa yakhe imali to defend his Throne,” said the high profile insider.
It has been disclosed that the Judges told the King that they have tried everything in their power to manipulate the law and keep the MPs behind bars, however, “it is now becoming clear in the eyes of the public that they are innocent”.
The insiders alleged that the King told the Judges that they must continue manipulating the law to prove that “they are educated”.
A questionnaire was sent to Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson, however, he had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.
This disclosure comes after King Mswati commanded police officers to intensify the shooting and killing of civilians, he said the police must meet them “eye for an eye”.
“I therefore advise you that as you go about your very important duties, you go out in full alert and in readiness to respond effectively and decisively against any criminal elements and you must meet them eye for an eye,” he said.
Eswatini is in the midst of a political unrest after King Mswati unleashed his forces to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.
Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the MultiStakeholder Forum said it long became clear that the King had no commitment to a peaceful resolution of the socio-economic and political problems of the country.
“It was clear from the beginning that the MPs committed no crime, the case was a hoax from the start. It is quite pathetic that Judges should approach the King before they hand down judgments. There is no reason in law why the King should be consulted on a matter/matters before the court. This is downright wrong. The judge before whom the matter is heard should simply hand down judgment based on the evidence led, if one is clear from the evidence thus far, it is that there is no case for the MPs to answer, save the fact that the King is abusing the judicial process to achieve political ends”, said the human rights lawyer
The MultiStakeholders Forum Chairperson said the MPs must be released to enable a climate of peace for a political dialogue to start.
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