A prodemocracy activist in Swaziland, arrested by police allegedly distributing political leaflets, could be charged with sedition.
Wonder Mkhonza, National Organising Secretary of the
banned People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was taken in by police on 12
April when he was taking part in activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the
Royal decree by King Sobhuza II that turned Swaziland from a democracy into a
kingdom, ruled by an autocratic monarchy.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) reported that Mkhonza
was originally detained by police in Lavumisa, a small town on the eastern part
of the kingdom on Friday. SSN said this was the police’s way of keeping him
from participating in the activities that were planned for that day.
SSN said in a statement. ‘Police later claimed to have
found him in possession of 5,000 pamphlets whose content still remains a
mystery.’
He was later transferred to Nhlangano to appear in court.
SSN said he could be charged with sedition.
Nhlangano’s case was postponed by magistrates until 17
April.
See also
SWAZI POLICE NOW ‘A PRIVATE MILITIA’
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