EX-WARDER BHEKA TO BE BURIED IN SA

MBABANE – “His body will remain buried in South Africa (SA) until Eswatini is democratised.

These sentiments were shared by United Eswatini Diaspora’s Bonginkosi IB Dlamini, when announcing that former warder Bheka Brian Magagula will be buried on Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa (SA). Dlamini communicated the latest developments during a live broadcast by the Swazi Voice of the People, yesterday evening. He stated that the memorial and burial will take place on the same day, with the memorial starting at 9am until 1pm. He said they will then proceed to the cemetery for the burial service.

Dlamini said they will give Magagula a dignified funeral, which he deserves. He said it is befitting of someone of Magagula’s calibre to be laid to rest in Pretoria, the capital of SA, one of the leading democracies in Southern Africa. He said they will communicate in due course the hall where the memorial will take place and the address. The UED convenor said they were happy that Magagula will be buried in Pretoria.

According to Dlamini, the memorial and burial will take place on Saturday. This, he said, will make it easier for those who want to attend the burial, especially those who will come from Eswatini. Magagula was allegedly kidnapped on Sunday, October 6, 2024, and his body was discovered the following day by a cattle herder in the North West Province. The South African Police Service (SAPS) office of the Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed that police opened a murder investigation after the body was found in a bush. Masondo stated that the body was found by a cattle herder, who alerted the police on October 8, 2024. He said the deceased was found with three gunshot wounds and several stab wounds on the upper body.

In a previous statement, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) said, Magagula’s passing is deeply felt, acknowledging his lasting impact and the profound sense of loss experienced by those close to him. In the statement issued by PUDEMO Secretary General (SG), Penuel Malinga, they extended heartfelt condolences to Magagula’s family, friends, wives and children.

Malinga said Magagula made a courageous decision to defy the regime and join the struggle for democracy in Eswatini. “Following the tragic events of the June 2021 massacre, he left the correctional services, choosing to stand with those advocating for change, which made him an enemy and a target for the Royal Eswatini Police Service,” Malinga alleged. According to Malinga, PUDEMO honours a man who took a stand when many could not. He explained that Magagula’s commitment to the cause of freedom will not be forgotten. “As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his legacy, knowing that his sacrifice will help nurture the seeds of liberty that will flourish in the future. Rest in power, Comrade Bheka. Your struggle will guide us on the path to true liberation,” he said.

On the same note, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) Acting Spokesperson, Ingiphile Dlamini, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Magagula’s family and the mass democratic movement (MDM) he served diligently until his gruesome murder. Ingiphile said Magagula committed his life to the struggle for freedom in Eswatini, making significant sacrifices in service to the allegedly oppressed people.

Reminder

Meanwhile, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) Swaziland Spokesperson, Sivumelwano Nyembe, said Magagula’s death is a stark reminder of the escalating violence that has gripped the nation in recent times. Nyembe said such violence is counterproductive and only serves to hinder the progress towards a just and democratic society. In a statement, he said they were deeply saddened by the tragic assassination of Magagula, a prominent figure in Eswatini’s struggle for democracy. Nyembe said Magagula’s death is a stark reminder of the escalating violence that has gripped the nation in recent times. “MSF unequivocally condemns those responsible for this heinous act. We believe that such violence is counterproductive and only serves to hinder the progress towards a just and democratic society,” Nyembe said.

According to Nyembe, they reaffirm their commitment to the five-point plan, which outlines the key steps necessary to achieve lasting peace and stability in Eswatini.
He stated that the plan included, the establishment of a genuine national political dialogue, the unconditional release of all political prisoners, the return of exiles without fear of persecution, the drafting of a new, democratic constitution and the implementation of a multiparty democracy. He went on to extend heartfelt condolences to Magagula’s family and loved ones.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: