Africa-Press – Eswatini. Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson says the Monarch never commanded the arrest of former Swazi Observer Chief editor Musa Ndlangamandla.
Responding on Saturday when asked to clarify if it’s true that Mswati issued a command directing the police to arrest Ndlangamandla, the King’s Spokesperson said such command never existed.
Ndlangamandla fled to exile in 2011 after police officers raided his Swazi Observer Offices, the then Prime Minister Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini accused him of terrorism merely for adhering to journalism ethics by interviewing members of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) to balance political stories.
The veteran journalist returned shortly after the death of the PM and was questioned by the police and subsequently released criminal charge, at the time National Commissioner Isaac Magagula who was allegedly used by PM Barnabas Dlamini in the attempt to arrest Ndlangamandla had retired and appointed a Parliament Senator.
After his return from exile, information was being spread within the media and political circles suggesting that, “the King doesn’t want to see Musa Ndlangamandla anymore”.
But last week during the Eswatini International Trade Fair(EITF) the former Chief editor who was once appointed as a member of the Liqoqo King’s Advisory Council met King Mswati and, the King was visibly happy to see him.
“Ubuyaphi ye-Musa” the King asked while smiling after meeting his former Advisor again.
King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane consistently maintained that, the King was never involved in the attempt to arrest the former Swazi Observer Chief editor who is now working as a “Media Consultant” and an Environmental Protection Specialist.
“I have worked with the King for decades as a reporter, Government Spokesperson, and now as Director-Information and Communications in his Office, he is fatherly and welcoming enough not to personally initiate an arrest. I have, therefore, no reasons to believe he personally initiated Musa Ndlangamandla’s arrest. The last time I checked people in the Interpol wanted list, I did not see Mr Ndangamandla’s name.That he is the National Police Commissioner-in Chief, is only symbolic. The does not participate in their daily operations,” said the King’s Spokesperson.
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