MBABANE, Swaziland – Fearless Eswatini top rights lawyer and pro-democracy advocate Thulani Maseko was shot dead at home Saturday evening in a callous assassination incident by unknown assailants.
Maseko died on the spot after being shot twice on the head in front of his wife in the family living room.
While there are no links yet on who could have committed the callous murder, independent groups have been quick to associate his assassination with his works in fighting repression under King Mswati’s regime.
Friend to many Zimbabwean rights activists, Maseko’s death was felt among locals within Zimbabwe’s broader civil society and opposition.
On behalf of the opposition, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Maseko’s death was tragic.
“We extend our 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. His wife was there with him in the lounge. May he rest in peace,” Mahere said.
The death of the human rights lawyer, according to media from that country, came a few hours after King Mswati warned those calling for democracy that his mercenaries would deal with them.
Eswatini is in the midst of political unrest.
Mswati has intensified his crackdown on political activists and human rights defenders.
