American Embassy, Law Society mourn Maseko’s death

By Bongiwe Zwane-Maseko

As condolences continue to pour in following the tragic demise of human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko, the American Embassy in Eswatini and the Law Society have also added their voices to many others.

In a statement, the embassy said they had learned of Maseko’s passing with profound sadness.

“Mr. Maseko was an alumnus of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship where he studied at American University – Washington College of Law in 2010-2011 and focused on the U.S. Bill of Rights and mechanisms used by the U.S. Supreme Court to interpret and uphold fundamental human rights and freedoms. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Maseko’s family, friends, and admirers around the world. Eswatini and the world have lost a powerful voice for non-violence and human rights,” the Embassy said.

The Law Society of Eswatini has also expressed sadness at Maseko’s death.

“A dark cloud has converged on Swaziland’s legal profession and we are truly saddened. The Law Society has lost an icon, a pioneer in his field, and its former Secretary General from the year 2018 to 2021. Armed with rich experience in the legal field we have truly been robbed. We have lost a true and dedicated defender of human rights and the rule of law. The loss of Thulani Rudolf Maseko has left a huge void and massive shoes to fill within the legal fraternity. May your soul rest in peace Ngcamane, Khubonye waNdlovu,” the statement reads.

Maseko passed away over the weekend after he was shot by unknown men who fired several gunshots at him while he was at his home near Bhunya in the Manzini Region. News of his death sent shockwaves within and beyond Eswatini’s borders and the public has been calling for justice to be served since the news broke.