Police across the absolute
monarchy of Swaziland (eSwatini) raided the homes of a number of prodemocracy
activists in the early hours of Friday (20 December 2019).
Some were detained by police
for interrogation.
The action came following
increased activity from critics of King Mswati III.
Political action is severely
curtailed in the kingdom and political parties are banned from taking part in
elections.
Groups advocating for
democracy are outlawed under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. Many use social media
to further their aims.
Laptops, phones and other devices
were confiscated by police in the raids.
The Southern Africa Litigation
Centre (SALC), based in neighbouring South Africa, reported, ‘eSwatini
police visited the houses of a number of pro-democracy activists including
Sikelela Dlamini, Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of
Teachers (SNAT), Jan Sithole, President of the Swazi Democratic Party
(SWADEPA), Mbongeni Mnisi, SWADEPA youth leader, Sibongile Mazibuko, President
of the Ngwane National Liberation Congress (NNLC), Dumsane Fakudze, chairperson
of the Communist Party of Swaziland, Wandile Dludlu, Secretary General of the
People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mphandlana Shongwe, a member of
the National Executive Committee of PUDEMO, and Amos Bulunga, PUDEMO Manzini
Secretary, and Themba Mabuza from the Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF)
and others whose names could not be established at the time of publishing this
statement.
‘The search warrants
indicated that the police intended to confiscate all laptops, computers, cell
phones and tablets in their possession.
‘The police subsequently
detained a number of the activists, including Jan Sithole, Sikelela Dlamini,
Sibongile Mazibuko, Wandile Dludlu, Amos Bulunga, Dumsane Fakudze, Themba
Mabuza and Mbongeni Mnisi. They were released a few hours later after
interrogations.
‘Earlier in the week, on 17
December 2019, the police questioned the Chairperson of Sive Siyinqaba National
Movement (Sibahle Sinje), Musa Nkambula, at the Manzini police headquarters. He
was released pending investigations and his cell phone was confiscated.’
SALC added, ‘We are
concerned by the actions of the police, which appear to be targeted at those
activists who have been prominently involved in protests relating to workers’
rights and who have been promoting multi-party democracy and government
accountability in the country.’
See
also
Police
question Swaziland political leader amid fears of treason charge
Swaziland
ex-Govt minister in hiding after calling on absolute monarch to hand over power
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