A ‘Top Secret’ document allegedly found in
the pocket of convicted bomber Amos Mbedzi was at the centre of evidence
leading to his conviction on sedition, murder, and other charges at the Swaziland
High Court this week.
Media in the kingdom told us that it helped
to show that Mbedzi and fellow conspirators were intent on advocating a violent
revolution. They had, the court heard, wanted to blow up a bridge near the Lozitha
royal residence, but the bomb they had in their car detonated prematurely.
But, the media did not tell us what the document
actually said. Why not? It was another case of media self-censorship. The
document told the story of how King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last
absolute monarch, came to the throne. Unlike in other monarchies, his was not a
clear succession from father to son. He came to power after deadly infighting at
the palace and the ‘Top Secret’ document said so.
Here’s what High Court judge Bheki Maphalala
said in his judgement. ‘The document
portrays a bitter political rivalry, division and deadly infighting within the
Royal Household over the succession to King Sobhuza II, the Royal factions that
emerged leading to the removal of Queen Regent Dzeliwe and the appointment of
Queen Regent Ntombi, the emergence of PUDEMO [the now banned People’s United
Democratic Movement] and its relationship with disgruntled Princes who were
ambitious for the throne, the ongoing clandestine remnants of political
maneouvers within the Royal House and a detailed critique of the country’s
political dispensation as lacking in democratic governance.
He went on, ‘The Top Secret Document was
authored by PUDEMO and it exposed its relationship with the South African
Communist Party and certain elements of the Royal House. The document concludes
by calling for a violent revolution to remove the leadership from political
power.’
See also
AMOS MBEDZI FULL JUDGEMENT
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