PRESS RELEASE
ZCTU CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF THULANI MASEKO
On behalf of workers in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is
shocked by the murder of prominent human rights lawyer and activist in Eswatini, Comrade
Thulani Rudolf Maseko
His death came soon after King Swati III is reportedly to have warned his political
opponents that they will be dealt with.
The killing of Maseko, which is a clear sign that the dictatorship in Eswatini is prepared to go
an extra length to suppress dissent and cling to power, this is condemned in the strongest
terms.
The ZCTU has been following the developments in Eswatini for years now and the country
has taken the infamous trophy of refusing to accept multi-party democracy. Mass protests
calling for democracy have persistently arisen since the promulgation of the 1973 decree
that banned political parties. We believe that they will continue as long as Eswatini
government does not respond to the will of the people.
Over the years, the security forces have killed at dozens of people and injured many others.
Furthermore, the security forces continue to use brutal force against citizens who are
conducting their rights to choose a government of their choice.
The ZCTU demand an end to murders, intimidation, threats of arrests, raids, unprovoked
brutal beatings of members of the public by the police, soldiers and agents of the
government. We call upon the United Nations, the African Union and the SADC to facilitate,
as soon as possible, the transition to democracy and ensure the investigation of the
atrocities that have been committed so far and take measures to prevent further human
rights violations.
We send our condolences to the people of Eswatini and stand in solidarity with the Trade
Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) during this dark hour and once again, demand an
unfettered investigation into the murder of Comrade Maseko.
Kudakwashe Munengiwa
ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL
