Investigating the Inexcusable: Eswatini’s Urgent Call for Justice

Former MP Brutally Beaten in Eswatini Detention: The Urgent Need for Justice and Accountability

Introduction

Amidst reports of the brutal beating of former Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza by correctional services officers in Eswatini, the international human rights organization Amnesty International has called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident. The case of Mabuza and his fellow former MP Mthandeni Dube has shed light on the deeply troubling human rights situation in Eswatini. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure justice for Mabuza, hold those responsible accountable, and put an end to the widespread use of torture and ill treatment in the country’s prisons.

Background and Details of the Case

Mabuza and Dube have been arbitrarily detained for almost two years on charges of terrorism, sedition, and murder. Their trial, which took place on June 1, 2023, resulted in guilty verdicts, with sentencing scheduled for December of the same year. Throughout their detention, both Mabuza and Dube have been subjected to beatings, denied access to their lawyer and medical care, and their human rights have been systematically violated.

It is important to note that the attack on Mabuza is not an isolated incident. In September 2022, both Mabuza and Dube were assaulted by members of a prison unit while being transported to and from court. Shockingly, no investigation has been conducted into this previous attack, highlighting the lack of accountability within Eswatini‘s prison system.

The Call for Justice and Accountability

Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, rightly emphasizes the urgent need for a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the assault on Mabuza. The Eswatini authorities must prioritize the pursuit of justice, ensuring that anyone found responsible for these horrific acts is brought to trial in fair, unbiased proceedings.

Torture is a gross violation of human rights, universally condemned for its abhorrent and inhumane nature. The authorities in Eswatini must recognize this and take immediate action to put an end to attacks on inmates. Mabuza, as a detainee, must be granted immediate access to medical care, as well as the right to communicate with his family and legal counsel unhindered.

The Wider Human Rights Situation in Eswatini

This case highlights a larger pattern of human rights violations in Eswatini. Despite being a signatory to international conventions prohibiting torture, such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and regional human rights instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Eswatini has continued to resort to the use of torture and ill treatment against prisoners.

The authorities must be held accountable for their failure to uphold their obligations to protect and respect the human rights of detainees. The international community, including neighboring countries and regional bodies, should put pressure on the Eswatini government to immediately address these grave human rights violations.

The Way Forward: Seeking Justice and Advocating for Change

In light of the disturbing incidents surrounding Mabuza and Dube, it is crucial for organizations and individuals committed to justice and human rights to rally together and advocate for change. The Eswatini authorities must not be allowed to act with impunity. International human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and civil society groups should continue to shine a spotlight on these atrocities and put pressure on the government to respect and protect the rights of all individuals, including detainees.

Moreover, the international community should consider implementing targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses in Eswatini. Such measures can serve as a powerful deterrent and send a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the beating of former MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza in Eswatini is a distressing reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in the country. Immediate action is needed to ensure justice and accountability for Mabuza, as well as to address the wider pattern of torture and ill treatment in Eswatini‘s prisons. The international community must stand with the people of Eswatini in their fight for justice, and advocate for a society where human rights are respected and protected.

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