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UN rights chief urges ‘impartial’ probe after Eswatini killing

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BY STAFF REPORTER

The United Nations human rights chief has called on Eswatini to swiftly and impartially investigate the brutal killing of prominent opposition politician and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.

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“Thulani Maseko was a stalwart of human rights who, at great risk to himself, spoke up for many who couldn’t speak up for themselves,” Volker Turk said in a statement on Monday.

“His cold-blooded killing has deprived Eswatini, southern Africa and the world of a true champion and advocate for peace, democracy and human rights.”

Maseko was shot through the window while he was inside with his family, the spokesman said.

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In his statement, Turk called on the Eswatini authorities “to ensure a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation is held into his killing… and to hold all those responsible to account in fair trials”.

Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer and columnist, was the founder of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) – a coalition of opposition parties, associations and churchesIn 2014, he was jailed for contempt of court over articles critical of the government and judiciary, but was acquitted on appeal and released a year later.

And he had a pending court battle with King Mswati III over the monarch’s decision to rename the country Eswatini by decree.

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The country’s name was changed from Swaziland to Eswatini to mark the 50th anniversary of its independence from Britain in 2018.

Maseko’s position was that the king had not followed the constitution in the process.

And at the time of his death, he was the legal re presentative for two members of parliament facing trial for offences allegedly committed during the civil unrest that rocked Eswatini in 2021, according to the UN rights office.

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Maseko’s death came just hours after the king challenged activists fighting to end Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

“People should not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them,” King Mswati had said.

In addition to calling for an investigation of Maseko’s death, Turk demanded on Monday that the Eswatini authorities “ensure the safety and security of all Eswatini people, including human rights defenders, journalists and political activists and protect civic space”.

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Meanwhile, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the death of Maseko, denouncing murders Africa as a breeding ground for murders and violence following the killing of Swaziland human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.

“My sincere condolences to Eswatini and Thulani Maseko’s family.

“A leading Swaziland human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist was shot dead at his house and died on the spot. Africa cannot be a breeding ground for murders and violence.

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“Cowards and rogues cannot stand good men. Rest In Peace comrade,” Chamisa tweeted.

Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa director Siphosami Malunga also denounced the gruesome murder of Maseko.. 

“Bambulele! They killed him!” he said. 

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“But not his ideas, not his passion, Not his desire for freedom and democracy for his country and people! 

” That they have turned into a raging force which will consume them… one day soon, they will face justice for this cowardly crime… “TRT World /VicFallsLive 

 

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Doctors slam delays in using sugar tax funds for cancer treatment equipment

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has expressed concern over the government’s continued delays in disbursing funds from the Sugar Tax meant for the procurement of cancer treatment equipment.

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In a statement released yesterday , ZADHR said it was deeply worried by the slow pace of progress, two years after the introduction of the levy that was expected to finance the purchase of essential medical equipment for cancer patients across the country.

According to the association, by November last year, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development had confirmed collecting US$30.8 million through the sugar tax — a surcharge imposed on sugary drinks and beverages. However, no disbursement had yet been made to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for the intended purpose.

“This delay undermines the purpose of the Sugar Tax, which was intended to improve public health outcomes through targeted investment in non-communicable disease management, including cancer prevention and treatment,” ZADHR said.

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Zimbabwe currently bears one of the highest cancer burdens in Southern Africa, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 208 per 100,000 people and a mortality rate of 144 per 100,000, according to Globocan 2022 data. These figures surpass those of neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana.

The association warned that the government’s inaction continues to worsen the plight of thousands of patients who face long waiting lists and limited access to treatment.

“The country records over 17,700 new cases and nearly 12,000 deaths annually, largely due to late diagnosis and inadequate treatment capacity,” read the statement. “This growing burden strains Zimbabwe’s fragile health system, escalates household health expenditures, and undermines productivity.”

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ZADHR called on the Ministry of Finance to urgently release the collected funds and for the Health Ministry to ensure transparent procurement and installation processes once funds are received.

The association also urged the Ministry of Health to build technical capacity among staff to maintain and effectively utilise the new equipment once installed.

“Equitable access must be at the centre of this rollout. Beyond the main Central Hospitals, provincial and district centres should also benefit to ensure no patient is left behind,” ZADHR added.

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Calls grow for probe into mysterious sudden deaths in Victoria Falls

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Concerns are mounting in Victoria Falls over a reported rise in sudden deaths, with local legislator Vusumuzi Moyo, Member of Parliament for Hwange West, calling for an official probe into what he described as an “alarming trend” of people collapsing and dying unexpectedly.

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During a Parliamentary session on 1 October, Moyo asked the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, whether the ministry had conducted any research into the increase in such cases. In his response, the Minister said no study had been carried out and that the government had no statistical evidence supporting the reports.

However, speaking to VicFallsLive, Moyo said he raised the issue in Parliament after witnessing and hearing of multiple sudden deaths within the resort city.

“We’ve seen several people who were perfectly fine suddenly collapse and die,” said Moyo. “Two of them were in the tourism industry, and another was a council worker who had just come from night duty. She swept her yard, suddenly felt unwell, and passed away soon after. These are just some of the cases we’ve encountered.”

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Moyo expressed disappointment that the Ministry did not show intent to investigate further, saying he had hoped the Minister would direct provincial or district offices to look into the issue.

“Unfortunately, when the question came up, I was not in the House to follow up,” he said. “But I believe this needs to be pursued. The media and health authorities must take it up so that the executive can act. We cannot be silent when people are dying in such an unusual fashion.”

Moyo also revealed that he had spoken with a local private medical officer, who expressed willingness to support any research effort aimed at uncovering the causes behind the deaths.

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“He told me this might not just be confined to Victoria Falls—it could be a national issue. We’re hearing of similar incidents across the country,” Moyo said.

Local health practitioners and residents have echoed similar concerns, citing an apparent rise in cases of people collapsing at workplaces or at home. While no conclusive evidence has linked the deaths to any particular health condition or environmental factor, the trend has prompted renewed calls for community health surveillance and public awareness on preventive care and early health checkups.

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with strained health infrastructure and limited diagnostic capacity, Moyo says the issue underscores the need for stronger public health data collection.

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“Without statistics, we cannot know what’s really happening,” he said. “This is a matter of life and death, and the Ministry should be proactive.”

 

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Migration on the rise: Matabeleland North tops outbound movement in latest ZimLAC report

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINK

Matabeleland North has recorded some of the highest levels of migration in Zimbabwe, with 12.6% of households moving to urban areas and 7.8% leaving the country, according to the 2024–2025 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) report.

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The figures highlight a growing trend in which families are uprooting in search of work, education, and better living conditions, with the province’s migration rate well above the national averages of 9.9% for rural-to-urban moves and 5.0% for emigration.

For many in Matabeleland North, economic necessity drives these decisions.

“I had to send my son to Bulawayo because there was simply no work here,” said Thabani Ncube, a smallholder farmer in Lupane. “Even piece jobs have dried up. At least in town, he can hustle and maybe support the family.”

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The ZimLAC report shows that employment opportunities are the leading reason behind rural-to-urban migration nationally (6.3%). In Matabeleland North, 7.7% cited education as the next big pull factor, followed by new residential land and improved living standards.

Experts warn that while migration can bring relief through remittances, it also risks hollowing out rural communities.

“This trend is a double-edged sword,” explained Dr. Nomalanga Sibanda, a livelihoods researcher in Bulawayo. “Families may benefit from remittances, but local economies lose critical labour and skills. Over time, this weakens resilience in rural districts.”

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Other Provinces: Contrasting Patterns

Matabeleland South recorded the highest rate of emigration, with 13.5% of households reporting that members had left the country — nearly triple the national average. Masvingo followed closely, with 16.5% moving to towns and 7.7% leaving for the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Mashonaland Central had the lowest levels of outward movement, with just 4.4% moving to towns and 1.0% emigrating.

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Midlands also stood out, with 12.9% shifting to urban areas and 6.2% relocating abroad, driven mainly by job opportunities and schooling.

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Across Zimbabwe, nearly one in ten households (9.9%) reported rural-to-urban migration, while 5% indicated emigration outside the country. Employment, education, and improved living standards remain the strongest motivators.

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For ordinary families, the story is about survival and hope.

“My husband left for South Africa last year,” said Memory Dube of Gwanda, Matabeleland South. “He sends money when he can, but life is tough there too. Still, we rely on that income to buy food and pay school fees.”

ZimLAC, which advises the government through the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), says the data will guide evidence-based interventions. The report stresses that migration trends are not just statistics, but reflect deeper issues of economic opportunity, resilience, and service delivery across provinces.

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