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THULANI MURDER: ‘EVERYONE A SUSPECT IN THE EYES OF THE OTHER’

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KALUHLEKO – Since everyone is a suspect in the eyes of the other, Southern Defenders, are calling for an impartial investigation into the cold-hearted murder of Thulani Maseko.

The Southern Defenders is an organisation that embodies an ironclad commitment to protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) in the face of attacks and shrinking civic space within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Jacob van Garderen from the Southern Defenders, said it was best that an independent investigation be conducted, as the police had been purportedly accused of interference in previous instances wherein the lives of political activists were involved. Garderen said as there were allegations insinuating that the police were involved in the callous murder of Maseko, it would be best that an independent investigation be conducted, where no party accused by the other would be involved.

Interviewed

He said this when interviewed on what the Southern Defenders supposed would be an ideal way to solve the mystery on the motive behind the murder of Maseko. Garderen was also informed that there were allegations insinuating that Maseko could have been killed by other players in the political space, other than the police. To this, he said, these allegations of infighting within the political parties could be quashed through conducting an independent investigation. “Given the political environment and since everyone is a suspect in the eyes of the other, only an independent investigation can ensure that those responsible for the assassination of (Thulani) Maseko and many others brutally injured and killed are brought to justice and their families rightfully compensated,” Garderen said.

On the other hand, he said there was a clear call from various entities fighting for human rights, social justice movements and independent lawyers, that these political killings and violence should be investigated. He said the kind of impunity for those who were responsible (for killing Maseko) could not continue and for any form of legitimacy, an independent investigation had to be conducted. “So many people within the region are calling for a proper investigation and a political dialogue,” he added. Garderen said the concern was that the primary crime investigators, especially of this nature, had been supposedly involved in political violence in the past; therefore, there was a contention that they would not be independent or be able to overly uncover the truth. He said it was for that reason that an independent investigator should be used to avert any political interference. Garderen said regional human rights bodies could offer technical assistance. He said the formation of the investigation players could depend on consultations between government and SADC as they could offer technical assistance and expertise.

Expertise

Garderen said such an institution could offer expertise as there were many institutions like the Southern Defenders who could offer to help with investigations and mostly to help with oversight. On the political dialogue, the South Africa-based human rights activist emphasised that his opinion was formed based on what he had gathered from various sources as an outsider, such that he was of the view that the postponement of the dialogue would result in more killings. He said it would add fuel to the fire and this could only be quashed by having every political player partaking in a genuine dialogue, such that it was done in a neutral space. He said his organisation had a long-standing relationship with the deceased and the various entities he had worked with.  Garderen said following the demise of Maseko, human rights activists from the region had contributed towards Maseko’s family. The human rights activist said in the last two days, there was intensive support from the region and across the continent following the shocking death of Thulani and the positive contribution he had in the fight against human rights.

Statement

Maseko was a founding member of the Southern Defenders and in a statement by the entity following his murder, it said the deceased carried out several fact-finding missions to countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, where he reported on the deterioration of civic space in the region. Professor Adriano Nuvunga, Vice-Chairperson of Southern Defenders, said: “A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and peaceful transition. It is deeply saddening that his work and selfless dedication has been repaid in such a ruthless and callous act.”

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