Death of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) condemns the killing of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who was gunned down in his house in Mbabane. Mr Maseko was the Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholders Forum, a collaboration of political parties and civil society groups working to amplify calls for democratic reforms in Eswatini.
In July 2021, the LSSA wrote an open letter to call on the SADC Troika’s meeting with the Acting Prime Minister of Eswatini, Themba Masuku, to ensure that meaningful engagements are held with the country’s civil society and pro-democracy movements. In 2021 the LSSA engaged with its legal counterparts in Eswatini and was dismayed at the reports emanating from a country that denied access to information, banned the internet, and threatened lawyers who represent the protestors. The LSSA notes that not much has changed since then because the legal profession in Eswatini is still under continued threat (read the full letter here: https://www.lssa.org.za/news/open-letter-to-acting-prime-minister-of-eswatini-and-the-sadc-troika/).
President of the LSSA, Mabaeng Lenyai noted, ‘ It is disheartening to see fearless, vocal lawyers who speak against government being killed. The LSSA supports lawyers who fearlessly fight against human rights abuses. To the family and colleagues of Mr Maseko, the LSSA expresses its deepest condolences.’
The Rule of Law, which includes democratic elections, independent Judiciary and the legal profession, this part of SDG goal 16, which the AU adopted: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
There have been numerous fact-finding missions, and there has been no progress. The LSSA calls on the South African government to ensure that the Eswatini government and authorities, who are an integral part of the SADC region, ensure the people and progressive institutions are given the fundamental freedoms that we in the region take for granted.
The LSSA continues to pledge solidarity with the people of Eswatini and the legal fraternity.
The LSSA brings together the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and the Provincial Attorneys’ Associations in representing the attorneys’ profession in South Africa.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, MABAENG LENYAI
LSSA Communications:
Mapula Oliphant: mapula@lssa.org.za
Tel: (012) 366 8800 or 076 026 5997
