By Akani Nkuna
The African National Congress has strongly denounced the attempted assassination of Mlungisi Makhanya, who is the leader of Eswatini’s People’s United Democratic Movement and is living in South Africa.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that “this cowardly act of violence is an attack not only on Cde Makhanya, but also on the values of peace, democracy and the freedom for which Pudemo has long fought.”
The ANC reiterated its stance on its commitment to upholding human rights, justice and the rule of law, particularly in the SADC region.
“The ANC stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Eswatini, and all forward-thinking initiatives that seek to establish a free and democratic society.
“We believe that political conflict should be addressed through respectful dialogue and democratic processes, rather than through violence or intimidation,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
Makhanya, who is living in exile in South Africa, was hospitalised after he was poisoned at his home in Pretoria.
It was reported that he was found incapacitated on Monday last week. He remains in a stable, but critical condition.
Pudemo secretary-general Penuel Malinga has described the poisoning as a “clear assassination attempt by the [Eswatini] state”.
The government of Eswatini is known to be hostile and aggressive against political figures who are pro-democracy and threaten the existence of the monarchy.
“The ANC calls on the international community, civil society and regional bodies like SADC to condemn the attack and promptly act to ensure the safety of Cde Makhanya,” said Bhengu-Motsiri said on Friday.
The ANC further noted this “attempted assassination” was a clear and disturbing violation of the right to political expression and a significant setback to the country’s journey towards democracy.
Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo denies that the state is involved in the poisoning.
“It is not in our policy as the government to either kill or poison people who hold a different political view in our country.
“Mr Makhanya was not wanted in Eswatini,” he added.
Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer and member of Pudemo, was brutally assassinated in his home in Eswatini in front of his family in January 2023.
This incident occurred hours after King Mswati III warned pro-democracy activists that mercenaries would deal with them. Despite government’s promise to investigate the matter, no one has been brought to book.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili told reporters that “a case of attempted murder was opened… on 23 September 2024 following a suspected food poisoning incident… The investigating team is following several leads and not one has been arrested yet”.
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