SOUTHERNG» DEFENDERS ’ Southern Alia Human gts Defenders Network SouthernDefenders strongly condemns the Statement by the Government of Eswatini on “Utteranees related to the killing of Thulani Maseko” January 11, 2024 Mbabane | Johannesburg The Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SouthernDefenders) strongly condemns a recent public statement from the government of Eswatini seemingly threatening Tanele Mascko, the widow of murdered Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko, in response to her ongoing quest for justice for the assassination of her husband, which took place on January 21, 2023, in front of her and their children in Eswatini/Swaziland, The statement, which was made following Tanele Maseko’s appearance at the 2023 Magnitsky Human Rights Awards to accept the “Outstanding Lawyer” prize on behalf of her late husband, was clearly designed to cow Tanele, from continuing to call on the government of Eswatini to ensure an independent and thorough investigation into the gruesome murder of Thulani. It is almost a year since Thulani Maseko, was point blank shot dead by three bullets in his home whilst watching television with his family. Since then, despite government claims, there have been no developments in the investigation, and no one has been held to account for the shockingly brazen and heinous act. In the statement, the Monarchy insidiously intimated that Tanele interfered with the course of justice by removing evidence at the crime scene. In addition, it was mentioned that Tanele was on a “charade cashing out on her husband’s death”. Earlier, in an interview the government's spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo warned that Tanele’s “remarks” were treasonous. SoutheDefenders would like to expressly show unwavering support for Tanele Maseko, our Deputy Chairperson and a human rights defender in her own right, who together with their children, were also victims of the traumatic events of January 21, 2023. She has and continues to selflessly stand for the human rights of not only Thulani, but others in the Kingdom who have been victims of arbitrary arrest, excessive use of force, harassment and intimidation for advocating for political reforms in Eswatini, Thulani was the Chairperson of The Multistakeholder Forum, a leading Human Rights Institution, Declared a prisoner of conscience, Maseko had endured countless unlawful arrests on trumped up charges linked to promoting, upholding and defending human rights of the people of Eswatini. SouthernDefenders is deeply disappointed and highly concerned by the Statement’s insensitive and offensive tone, which is not expected of a Kingdom that should be invariably exemplary to its citizens, supportive of a grieving widow and her family and committed to rule of law and accountability, and ensuring that there is no place for extra-judicial killings in Eswatini. Justice for Thulani is long overdue, and the intimidation and smearing of his widow for seeking justice is unacceptable, While it is outrageous that Tanele is now being publicly threatened, it is not surprising given the Kingdom's demonstrated intolerance of legitimate criticism and calls for political reforms. Barely 24 hours before Thulani Maseko was assassinated, King Mswati III had publicly declared that: “People should not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them. These people started the violence first.”In two weeks, it will be a year since the murder of Thulani. Despite regional and international calls for an independent, thorough and expeditious investigation, the government of Eswatini has failed and or refused to facilitate the same. The perpetrators have not been held to account. SouthernDefenders remains committed to the pursuit for justice for Thulani, his family and the people of Eswatini, and therefore, 1, Demands a public retraction of the statement against Tanele Maseko and a full apology, recognizing her right to continue to call for justice and accountability for the murder of her husband, Thulani Maseko. 2. Continues to demand an independent, thorough, transparent and swift investigation into Thulani Maseko’s murder. 3. Demands that the Kingdom of Eswatini refrains from the insolent use of force, intimidation and threats against human rights defenders and other progressive voices, and that efforts be directed towards addressing the outstanding democratic grievances prevailing in a clearly restive society seeking reforms. 4. Strongly appeals to the international community and other civil rights movements to join us in seeking collective condemnation of the actions against Tanele Maseko, and justice and accountability for Thulani Maseko. For additional information, please contact Washington Katema on wkatema@southerndefenders.africa or 427736202608 or Professor Adriano A. Nuvunga on nuvunga@southerndefenders.africa AFRICANDEFENDERS Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network SouthernDefenders is a member of the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network (AfricanDefenders)