The trial of Mario Masuku ended today about 5 hours after it had begun.
The Court could see through the three false witnesses and called the whole thing off while all had expected the hearing to last at least four days.
Jubliant PUDEMO members went to greet their President at the Matsapha Prison, where Mario Masuku had been kept. Now there are reports that Wandile Dludlu, President of PUDEMO's youth wing SWAYOCO, has been harassed and tortured while waiting to see the release of Mario Masuku.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The trial begins
This morning the Trial of President Mario Masuku has begun at High Court in Mbabane.
The court room is packed and many outside can not get in.
PUDEMO members were shouting VIVA PUDEMO and were threatened with arrest if they continued to do so.
One PUDEMO member has been arrested for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt.
Two members of the American Embassy are present.
It is unclear at this point which foreign media networks are present.
The court room is packed and many outside can not get in.
PUDEMO members were shouting VIVA PUDEMO and were threatened with arrest if they continued to do so.
One PUDEMO member has been arrested for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt.
Two members of the American Embassy are present.
It is unclear at this point which foreign media networks are present.
Friday, September 4, 2009
SWAYOCO President tortured
SWAYOCO President, Wandile Dludlu, has been detained, tortured and injured by state police today as he returned to Swaziland after coming from the COSATU border blockade at Oshoek.
He is being taken to hospital as he is badly hurt.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Swaziland Youth Congress turns 18!
Today, Saturday August 8th, PUDEMO's youth wing, the Swaziland Youth Congress will be turning 18 years old.
To commemorate this day SWAYOCO shall be at Matsapha, in the eviction threatened areas, as a sign of continued solidarity with the oppressed masses of our country.
VIVA SWAYOCO VIVA!
To commemorate this day SWAYOCO shall be at Matsapha, in the eviction threatened areas, as a sign of continued solidarity with the oppressed masses of our country.
VIVA SWAYOCO VIVA!
Friday, August 7, 2009
News coming out from the Court case of Mario Masuku and Amos Mbedzi
SSN update.
Message 1:
"Am with Mario Masuku and Amos Mbedzi here in court. Mario says I must tell you all that change will come, he will hang in there till you people rise up and say enough is enough."
"Am with Mario Masuku and Amos Mbedzi here in court. Mario says I must tell you all that change will come, he will hang in there till you people rise up and say enough is enough."
Message 2:
"The President was defiant and he shouted VIVA and the over 100 people who turned up at the court were ecstatic....Mario was in high spirit and Mbedzi pleaded not guilty. He even did a little toyi-toyi in his leg irons. Am inspired."
"The President was defiant and he shouted VIVA and the over 100 people who turned up at the court were ecstatic....Mario was in high spirit and Mbedzi pleaded not guilty. He even did a little toyi-toyi in his leg irons. Am inspired."
These statements are all by our comrades inside court.
Viva the People's President Mario Masuku Viva
and
Viva to our Internationalist Amos Mbenzi Viva
Amandlanessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
and
Viva to our Internationalist Amos Mbenzi Viva
Amandlanessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Monday, August 3, 2009
PUDEMO President to have pre-trial hearing this week
Scheduled for 9:00 AM Friday Aug 7, 2009 is the pre-trial hearing for Mario Masuku, PUDEMO's President.
South African national, Amos Mbedzi, is also to have his pre-trial conference on the same day.
These pre-trial conferences will be attended by High Court Registrar Lorraine Hlophe who today said that the trials will begin in September when the second session of the High Court starts.
South African national, Amos Mbedzi, is also to have his pre-trial conference on the same day.
These pre-trial conferences will be attended by High Court Registrar Lorraine Hlophe who today said that the trials will begin in September when the second session of the High Court starts.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
2nd Regional Congress
PUDEMO Media Alert
Issued :28 July 2009
The People’s United Democratic Movement of Swaziland will be holding its 2nd Regional Congress in South Africa on the weekend of 2nd August. Delegates to this congress will be coming from branches of PUDEMO in South Africa : Nelspruit, Barberton , Witbank, Ermelo, Durban , Pietermaritzburg, Stanger, Springs, Germiston, Vaal, Carletonville, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Rustenburg.
In the era of the Suppression of Terrorism Act 2008, intensified repression by the Swazi royal regime; and the continued harassment of members of the movement, there is an even greater need to build a strong PUDEMO outside the borders of the country, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to operate inside Swaziland . This congress is in line with the programme released earlier in the year which demands that all regions of PUDEMO must go to their congresses by the end of July 2009.
The congress is organised by an NEC Task Team which is led by the Secretary General of PUDEMO cde Sphasha Dlamini and will be addressed by the Deputy President cde Skhumbuzo Phakathi.
A number of allied organisations have been invited to enrich discussions.
Some of the major issues to be dealt with include:
Release Mario Masuku Campaign
Building a strong SA region of PUDEMO- responding to the new terrain
Intensification of international work
For more information contact the PUDEMO Head of Publicity
Zakhele Mabuza on differmab@yahoo.co.uk
268 607 3453
Friday, July 17, 2009
The deepening political crisis in Swaziland
Centre for Strategic and Popular Initiatives (CSPI) Seminar
Hear Swazi human rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko
He is also legal representative for Jailed PUDEMO President, Mario Masuku and has just recently been released from jail. Therefore, he will take us through the situation inside and outside jail under the draconian Suppression of Terrorism Law in Swaziland
Date: 23rd July, 2009
Venue: COSATU House, 10th floor
Time: 10h00
The Deputy President of PUDEMO, Sikhumbuzo Phakathi shall also take us through PUDEMO’s Plan for the liberation of Swaziland, including the release of PUDEMO President, Mario Masuku
For more details contact: 073 142 7594
Hear Swazi human rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko
He is also legal representative for Jailed PUDEMO President, Mario Masuku and has just recently been released from jail. Therefore, he will take us through the situation inside and outside jail under the draconian Suppression of Terrorism Law in Swaziland
Date: 23rd July, 2009
Venue: COSATU House, 10th floor
Time: 10h00
The Deputy President of PUDEMO, Sikhumbuzo Phakathi shall also take us through PUDEMO’s Plan for the liberation of Swaziland, including the release of PUDEMO President, Mario Masuku
For more details contact: 073 142 7594
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
PUDEMO Day 2009
PUDEMO DAY
It is that time of the year when PUDEMO marks its birth.
It is now 26 years that the movement was born and has continued to wage the struggle for democratic transformation in Swaziland irrespective of the prevailing hostile and oppressive conditions which we are subjected to.
On Saturday, 4 July 2009 PUDEMO will be marking this important day in the life of the people’s struggle under the theme:
Re- affirming PUDEMO’s commitment to fight for a peaceful transition to democracy – demanding a better life for all the people of Swaziland .
We shall further reactivate the RELEASE MARIO MASUKU campaign to give it an improved visibility both domestically and internationally.
Venue: Manzini
Time: 11 am
Friends and allies of PUDEMO, together with the entire mass democratic movement in Swaziland are invited to be part of this important activity.
We shall stand by our people until final victory!
PUDEMO International Relations
C/O Head of Publicity
+268 607 3453
+27 73 142 7594
+27 82 923 1401
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
PUDEMO member killed by police
We are very sorry to inform readers of the news that a PUDEMO member* has been killed by the police.
When the police came to raid him on Saturday last week, he ran out of the building.
The police then shot him and claimed that they had found some dagga in the house.
There is a protest march planned for tomorrow in Big Bend to protest the killing.
On this 16th day of June, 33 years after the youth of Soweto defiantly challenged the ruling apartheid regime, we are saddened over another tragedy in Swaziland. Yet we are certain victory is for the people and our martyrs will not be forgotten.
*[Name will be released after family has been fully notified.]
When the police came to raid him on Saturday last week, he ran out of the building.
The police then shot him and claimed that they had found some dagga in the house.
There is a protest march planned for tomorrow in Big Bend to protest the killing.
On this 16th day of June, 33 years after the youth of Soweto defiantly challenged the ruling apartheid regime, we are saddened over another tragedy in Swaziland. Yet we are certain victory is for the people and our martyrs will not be forgotten.
*[Name will be released after family has been fully notified.]
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bail for Advocate Maseko
(Photo: Lawyer Thulani Maseko with PUDEMO President Mario Masuku.)
Advocate Thulani Maseko appeared in the High Court of Swaziland today.
He was admitted E15,000 (US$1500-1700) bail and released.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Lawyer of PUDEMO President Arrested
The Swazi regime has gone mad beyond recovery!
Advocate Thulani Maseko, lawyer of PUDEMO President was arrested yesterday on charges of TERRORISM!
This is a clear indication that the Swazi regime wants to do away with all human rights activists.
Thulani Maseko is a founding member of the Swaziland Association of Students, former president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Swaziland, former Secretary General of PUDEMO, founding member of Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland, founding member and chairperson of the National Constitutional Assembly.
He has represented many comrades in their legal battles against the regime including the successful case by the ex-miners in which the court ruled in favour of the people for free education.
Advocate Maseko is a well respected lawyer around the world, having been recently invited by the Foreign affairs Minister in the UK and the EU to state the case for Swaziland.
It is not clear as yet where he is kept and what is happening to him.
But we fear for his life.
PUDEMO International Relations
c/o Head of Publicity
Manzini, Swaziland
cell numbers
268-607-3453 (Swaziland)
27-73-142-7594 (South Africa)
27-82-923-1401 (South Africa)
Advocate Thulani Maseko, lawyer of PUDEMO President was arrested yesterday on charges of TERRORISM!
This is a clear indication that the Swazi regime wants to do away with all human rights activists.
Thulani Maseko is a founding member of the Swaziland Association of Students, former president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Swaziland, former Secretary General of PUDEMO, founding member of Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland, founding member and chairperson of the National Constitutional Assembly.
He has represented many comrades in their legal battles against the regime including the successful case by the ex-miners in which the court ruled in favour of the people for free education.
Advocate Maseko is a well respected lawyer around the world, having been recently invited by the Foreign affairs Minister in the UK and the EU to state the case for Swaziland.
It is not clear as yet where he is kept and what is happening to him.
But we fear for his life.
PUDEMO International Relations
c/o Head of Publicity
Manzini, Swaziland
cell numbers
268-607-3453 (Swaziland)
27-73-142-7594 (South Africa)
27-82-923-1401 (South Africa)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Arrest in Manzini
Yesterday cde Slovo was taken because of having pamphlets and the police wanted to keep him away of the action today.
Comrades, be informed that in the confrontation with the police some comrades were arrested the number is around four.But then, it might not be only those four because we were just running when they arrested the comrades.
Mostly those arrested were wearing Release Mario t-shirts.There were also casualties in the police force also.
Mostly those arrested were wearing Release Mario t-shirts.There were also casualties in the police force also.
The leadership will correct the number
Update on the mass action in Manzini Swaziland
The protest action organized and led by the Council of Swaziland Churches has taken place in the city of Manzini today to protest against government's failure to implement free primary education as ordered by the High Court of Swaziland.
Protesters assembled at Freedom Square as early as 8 am coming from all four regions of the country. The march within the city eventually started at about 10:30am with protesters expressing their anger and other fundamental demands in addition to that of free primary education. These were expressed in messages on placards, pamphlets, t-shirts, revolutionary songs, speeches, etc aimed at the oppressive regime in Swaziland. Such included the release of PUDEMO President Mario Masuku; scrapping of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008; the return to constitutional multiparty democracy.
The march continued until 13:00hours.
As expected, confrontations with the hostile security agents took place. The general assessment is that the protest action was a great success judging on the number of protesters who braved the hostility of the state's security agents.
Protesters assembled at Freedom Square as early as 8 am coming from all four regions of the country. The march within the city eventually started at about 10:30am with protesters expressing their anger and other fundamental demands in addition to that of free primary education. These were expressed in messages on placards, pamphlets, t-shirts, revolutionary songs, speeches, etc aimed at the oppressive regime in Swaziland. Such included the release of PUDEMO President Mario Masuku; scrapping of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008; the return to constitutional multiparty democracy.
The march continued until 13:00hours.
As expected, confrontations with the hostile security agents took place. The general assessment is that the protest action was a great success judging on the number of protesters who braved the hostility of the state's security agents.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Fraternal Greetings from President Masuku
I visited Cde Mario at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison yesterday March 29th and he requested me to pass his comradely greetings to all of you and to thank you for the untiring support and commitment to the struggle for democracy and a better life for all in Swaziland. Despite his ailing health, Cde Masuku is very determined and strong.
His condition requires that he must be seen by a medical specialist at least once a week but this is not the case. His diet is not monitored and he is not provided snacks between meals to deal with his medical condition.* He has constant blackouts as a result. He only sees a doctor once in a while. He has tooth problems and has requested to be seen by a dentist to no avail. He will not apply for bail because he is aware that the state uses bail to keep comrades in perpetual bondage outside prison.
"They will give me bail at an exorbitant fee with difficult conditions such as taking my passport and to report at the police station twice a week. They will not take the case to trial for many years making me a prisoner in the street. Let them try me and prove my innocence in court. I haven't committed any offence but I have spoken for the rights of my people" Masuku said.
His condition requires that he must be seen by a medical specialist at least once a week but this is not the case. His diet is not monitored and he is not provided snacks between meals to deal with his medical condition.* He has constant blackouts as a result. He only sees a doctor once in a while. He has tooth problems and has requested to be seen by a dentist to no avail. He will not apply for bail because he is aware that the state uses bail to keep comrades in perpetual bondage outside prison.
"They will give me bail at an exorbitant fee with difficult conditions such as taking my passport and to report at the police station twice a week. They will not take the case to trial for many years making me a prisoner in the street. Let them try me and prove my innocence in court. I haven't committed any offence but I have spoken for the rights of my people" Masuku said.
Masuku has made a call for Talks about Talks with the state. He has called upon the Government, SADC, AU and UN to support this process.
He also expressed concern about the prime Minister's statement that members of political organisations will be dismissed from public sector employment. Masuku called upon trade unions in Swaziland and the world to come to the support of the affected comrades.
"This is an infringement of the freedom of association as a basic human right enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Rights" Masuku said.
by J.R.
*Mario suffers from diabetics and doctors have advised against going long periods without eating at least some small amount of food.
"This is an infringement of the freedom of association as a basic human right enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Rights" Masuku said.
by J.R.
*Mario suffers from diabetics and doctors have advised against going long periods without eating at least some small amount of food.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Ex-Miners win at High Court
Seems the judge at the High Court has just ruled in favour of ex-miners to say government must enforce free education in all public primary schools.
Good news indeed!
Good news indeed!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Swazi Poilce threaten political activist with death!
Makhosetive death squads were at it again, yesterday 08/ 03/09.
Former Secretary General of SWAYOCO , Cde. Mduduzi "Shwarz" Mamba was told by police that We are now going to kill you…..for your political activities and "movements” into South Africa...".
He was further told not to leave his area of normal abode lest he gets what he is “applying for”.
This was after he had detained by the Swazi police at the border upon entering Swaziland from South Africa where he had gone on a private visit.
Mamba was then transported to the notorious Sigodvweni police station for “further questioning”. While being transported to Sgodvweni, Mamba notifed some Cdes of his detention by phone.
Cde Manyovu then went to the Sgodvweni police station to ascertain why Mamba was being held and to find out what he was charged with and further demanding his release.
At first the police denied having Mamba in their custody but through Cde Manyovu’s uncompromising insistence, the police conceded that Mamba was present for “questioning” at the station.
He was then released and told that police patience with him had run out and was told “not to forget” what he had been warned about.
Former Secretary General of SWAYOCO , Cde. Mduduzi "Shwarz" Mamba was told by police that We are now going to kill you…..for your political activities and "movements” into South Africa...".
He was further told not to leave his area of normal abode lest he gets what he is “applying for”.
This was after he had detained by the Swazi police at the border upon entering Swaziland from South Africa where he had gone on a private visit.
Mamba was then transported to the notorious Sigodvweni police station for “further questioning”. While being transported to Sgodvweni, Mamba notifed some Cdes of his detention by phone.
Cde Manyovu then went to the Sgodvweni police station to ascertain why Mamba was being held and to find out what he was charged with and further demanding his release.
At first the police denied having Mamba in their custody but through Cde Manyovu’s uncompromising insistence, the police conceded that Mamba was present for “questioning” at the station.
He was then released and told that police patience with him had run out and was told “not to forget” what he had been warned about.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Update on SWAYOCO detainees
This morning, five members of PUDEMO Youth League (SWAYOCO), including the President Wandile Dludlu appeared at the Mbabane Magistrate court.
However, it must be reported that no hearing ever took place.
Instead after waiting for approximately one hour, the comrades were taken back to the police station in Mbabane with the intention of bringing them back after an hour.
For more than two hours, nothing has changed.
Seemingly the state and its judiciary apparatus is ill-prepared to handle the issue. They are seemingly not prepared to learn from their past mistakes of effecting quick arrests, but fail to effect justice in the same speed.
However, it must be reported that no hearing ever took place.
Instead after waiting for approximately one hour, the comrades were taken back to the police station in Mbabane with the intention of bringing them back after an hour.
For more than two hours, nothing has changed.
Seemingly the state and its judiciary apparatus is ill-prepared to handle the issue. They are seemingly not prepared to learn from their past mistakes of effecting quick arrests, but fail to effect justice in the same speed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)