Times Of Swaziland: TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED, WHO MURDERED THULANI?

TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED, WHO MURDERED THULANI?
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Alex Nxumalo on 26/01/2025 07:18:00


“Death is a fate that awaits each one of us - including your killer/s. Their
act was nefarious, diabolic, cowardly and barbaric...
“No human being has the right to take another human being’s life. The mere
fact that two years after your tragic passing away, countless people are still
mourning your untimely death is testimony to the fact that you were iconic and a
priceless asset not only to the country, but globally as well.
“You fought the good, moral fight and a crown awaits you in the resurrection.
We will ALL face judgement - your killers, too - for our deeds, (good or bad)
committed on this sinful and broken world. Your killers’ fate lies in the lake
of fire where all the bad and the ugly will fry. Rest well, Comrade Ngcamane.
Your memory will never...fade...”
The (above) preceding missive represents a profoundly distressing revelation I
disseminated on my Facebook wall this past Tuesday. It was a moment steeped in
vivid recollection of the day when the existence of an extraordinary and iconic
human being was abruptly and tragically extinguished by the insidious act of a
malevolent assassin. This killer, in a cowardly and duplicitous manner,
determined that the late internationally renowned lawyer and human rights
advocate was unworthy of life.
Shocking
On January 21st, 2023, the nation was engulfed in shocking and incredulous news
regarding the assassination of Thulani Rudolph Maseko; such information
reverberated throughout the country, leaving many, including myself, utterly
dumbfounded. It was indeed astonishing news and I found it difficult to accept.
I was not alone in my incredulity, as numerous individuals within and outside
the country, hoped fervently that this announcement was merely the cruel jest of
a deranged psyche. Thulani Rudolph Maseko...DEAD? This notion was so
preposterous that a part of me obstinately refused to acknowledge the
devastating reality.
However, on the morning of January 22, 2024, the piercing headlines from the
nation’s mainstream media and various online outlets served to confirm the
harrowing truth: Thulani Maseko was indeed, dead - his life brutally
extinguished by an assassin’s bullet! He was no more...
The persistent enquiries that pervade the consciousness of all individuals who
cherish peace, which emerged with notable urgency, are as follows: Why was he
murdered? Who was responsible for this heinous act? Was it merely the deed of a
solitary, disturbed individual who could neither comprehend nor tolerate the
reality that Thulani epitomised moral integrity and engaged in a tranquil
struggle against a plethora of injustices inflicted not only by Swati upon
Swati, but by humanity at large?
Thulani embodied a gentle spirit; he was, in essence, a saint—a fierce,
unwavering and resilient critic of all manifestations of injustice. Everyone who
encountered him can attest to the veracity of his unwavering beliefs (he was
steadfast in his convictions). He was a steadfast proponent of peace, a
visionary who dedicated his life to the creation of an Eswatini where every
individual, regardless of their background, could coexist in harmony.
Freedoms
His commitment to fostering an inclusive society was unwavering, as he believed
that true progress could only be achieved when everyone was empowered to fully
exercise their constitutional rights - rights that encompassed freedom of
expression, association and movement, etc.Thulani Maseko understood that these
freedoms were not merely privileges, but fundamental human rights that should be
accessible to all, and he tirelessly championed their importance in the fabric
of society.
Rejecting violent solutions to conflict, he stood firmly against the cycle of
aggression that often perpetuated suffering and division. Instead, he advocated
for peaceful dialogue, emphasising the importance of communication and
understanding in resolving disputes.
His philosophy was rooted in the principle of agreeing to disagree, which
encouraged individuals to respect differing viewpoints while seeking common
ground. He believed that through open conversations and mutual respect, even the
most entrenched conflicts could be navigated without resorting to violence.
Tragically, his unwavering commitment to these ideals came at a steep cost. In
the end, he paid the ultimate price for his relentless support of the
marginalised and oppressed, a sacrifice that underscored the profound risks that
individuals often face in the pursuit of justice. His assassination was not just
a loss for his community, but a stark reminder of the dangers that accompany the
fight for equality and human rights.
Hope
While the motives behind his brutal killing remain shrouded in mystery, it is
likely that the assassin was merely a pawn in a larger game, manipulated by
shadowy forces that perceived him as a significant threat to their unjust
agendas. These forces, entrenched in power and resistant to change, viewed his
advocacy for the oppressed as a direct challenge to their authority and control.
Thulani’s legacy, however, endures as a beacon of hope for those who continue
to strive for a just and equitable society. His life and work serve as a
powerful reminder that the pursuit of peace and justice often requires immense
courage and sacrifice. In the face of adversity, he inspired countless others to
stand up against oppression, fostering a spirit of resilience that will not be
easily extinguished.
His vision for a harmonious Eswatini, where every voice is heard and valued,
continues to resonate, urging future generations to carry the torch of peace and
justice forward, even in the darkest of times. Following the tragic news of
Thulani’s premature and violent death, a pervasive fear gripped those
advocating for democracy.
The air was thick with anxiety, and a chilling uncertainty settled over the
community. Each individual found themselves grappling with the unsettling
question of who might be targeted next. Would it be a fellow activist, a
journalist or perhaps even a quiet supporter of the movement?
The spectre of violence loomed large, casting a shadow over the very ideals we
fought to uphold. As a columnist known for addressing injustices, I too felt
this anxiety creeping into my thoughts, weighing heavily on my conscience. I
contemplated whether to persist in my critical writing, questioning if my words
could still hold power in a climate where dissent was met with brutality.
While I do not belong to any political organisation, I have spent restless
nights contemplating the threats that seem to hide in every corner.
Commitment
I reflected on how Thulani, unaware of the fate that awaited him, lounged
peacefully in his living room surrounded by his loving family when, without
warning, the sound of gunfire pierced through an open window, swiftly taking the
life of this figure. However, in the middle of this turmoil and fear, I recalled
Thulani’s encouraging words from our first meeting years ago at the launch of
a prominent democracy advocate, Mphandla Shongwe’s book.
His quiet, firm and reassuring voice echoed in my mind, a beacon of hope amids
the darkness. He urged me to remain steadfast in my commitment to truth,
emphasising the importance of writers who confront reality without compromise.
‘‘Our words are our weapons,’’ he had said, ‘and they can pierce
through the veil of oppression.’ In that moment, I felt a surge of
determination. Thulani had faced his own fears and had fought valiantly for the
cause we both believed in. With renewed resolve, I made the decision to continue
my work. I understood that silence would only serve to embolden those who sought
to stifle our voices.
Accepting the risks that came with my commitment to justice, I steeled myself
for the possibility that my life could be threatened by those who oppose it. If
that were to happen, I vowed to face it with courage, just as Thulani had done.
I would not allow fear to dictate my actions or silence my pen. Instead, I would
honour his memory by amplifying the truth, shining a light on the injustices
that plagued our society, and standing firm in the belief that our collective
voices could bring about change. In the face of adversity, I chose to be a part
of those who valued truth, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dare
to dream of a better world.
Two years have elapsed since the violent murder of Thulani Maseko, a crime that
sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the
state of justice in Eswatini. Despite the passage of time, justice continues to
be frustratingly out of reach for Maseko’s family and supporters.
The evident absence of a swift, comprehensive, unbiased, independent,
transparent and effective Enquiry into this atrocious act is profoundly
troubling and raises concerns about the integrity of the justice system
itself.The Eswatini Government, in the wake of this tragedy, assured the public
that every effort would be made to identify the perpetrators and bring them to
justice.
However, as the months have turned into years, the lack of tangible progress has
led many to question the sincerity of these assurances. The community has
witnessed a troubling pattern of inaction, with little to no updates on the
investigation, leaving many to wonder whether the authorities are truly
committed to uncovering the truth or if they are merely paying lip service to
the demands for justice.
While I generally maintain an optimistic outlook on life and the potential for
positive change, I find myself grappling with a deep sense of despair regarding
this particular case. The absence of accountability and the apparent disregard
for the rule of law have created an environment where hope is dwindling.
Intervention
I fear that, in this instance, only Divine intervention may ultimately resolve
this grave issue. It seems that without a significant shift in the political
will and a genuine commitment to uphold justice, the memory of Thulani Maseko
may fade into obscurity, leaving his family and the community to bear the weight
of their grief without closure.
As we reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice, it is crucial to remember
that the fight for accountability is not just about one individual; it is about
the fundamental principles of human rights, dignity and the rule of law. The
failure to address this case adequately sends a chilling message to society,
suggesting that violence can go unpunished and that the lives of individuals can
be disregarded without consequence.
It is imperative that we continue to advocate for a thorough investigation and
demand that those in power take meaningful action to ensure that justice is
served, not only for Thulani Maseko but for all who have suffered at the hands
of violence and injustice.
I call upon all citizens, from leaders to everyday individuals, to prioritise
peace and advocate for the resolution of our political and social issues through
dialogue rather than violence. Violence will not resolve our conflicts; we must
engage in constructive discussions as a united emaSwati nation, despite our
differing political perspectives.