Zimbabwean activists have expressed shock following the assassination of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who was the Chairperson of the MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF).
Maseko was allegedly shot dead at his home on Saturday 21 January in the evening.
Swaziland News quoted Maseko’s wife, Tanele Maseko, as confirming the death of the prominent lawyer. She was quoted as saying:
It’s true, Thulani has been killed, bashaye waphola Nkhosi. Ubobuye ushaye kwanyalo kusenemaphoyisa.
According to Swaziland News, Maseko’s death came a few hours after King Mswati III warned those calling for democracy that his mercenaries would deal with them.
Hopewell Chin’ono tweeted:
The tragic assassination of Swazi human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko is a chilling reminder of how the Corrupt political elites are prepared to do anything to shut down pro-democracy voices.
He was shot yesterday in his home, all because he fought for democracy in Eswatini.
Deprose Muchena described Maseko’s assassination as cold-blooded murder. He tweeted:
Completely devastated after hearing news of the assassination of a dear friend & #Swaziland’s leading human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko.
He was gunned down in his home, sitting in his living room. This cold-blooded murder is a chilling reminder of what #Eswatini has become.
Elvis Mugari wrote:
I extend my sincere condolences to the Maseko family on the tragic passing of Thulani Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist who was shot dead yesterday evening at his house.
Kudzaishe Gladys Hlatywayo wrote:
I have just received the devastating news that prominent Swazi human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko was shot and killed by suspected King Mswati hitmen at his home this evening.
I am devastated 😭😭😭😭He was a dear brother and comrade in the fight for democratic world order.
Takudzwa Ngadziore said:
SAD! Waking up to such devastating news. The murder of Thulani Rudolf Maseko a Human Rights Lawyer in Swaziland is inhumane, criminal & evil.
My last memory with him is our conversation when planning the African Social Movements (ASM) Baraza held in Johannesburg.
During this period Cde Thulani informed that the house of the President of PUDEMO, Comrade Mlungisi Makhanya had been burnt down.
And he was saying let’s speak out in SOLIDARITY! Well, Cde Brother, now they’ve taken your life & we are left in pain.
Yes, we shall speak out BUT Justice MUST & SHOULD be Served! The sanctity of human life can never be ruled out because authoritarianism is suffocating the democratic space.
Rest in Peace Comrade Brother! The gap will surely be felt. We shall miss the voice that speaks for the people. The love!
Fadzayi Mahere said:
We extend our sincere condolences to the Maseko family on the tragic passing of Thulani Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer & pro-democracy activist who was shot dead yesterday evening at his house in Eswatini/Swaziland. May he rest in peace.
Makomborero Haruzivishe wrote:
King Mswati’s agents knocked on human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s door, he opened & they shot him point blank in front of his wife & kids.
The assassination of @maseko_r by @EswatiniGovern1 must be condemned by all. This evil monarchy must fall & let the people be free!