“Please release Amos Mbedzi from Swazi prison”

The Mbedzi family at Makonde village outside Thohoyandou is pleading with King Mswati of Swaziland to release their son, Amos Mbedzi, from prison. Mbedzi was sentenced to 85 years in prison by the Swaziland High Court in 2012, after being convicted of murder.

Speaking to the media during the "Release Amos Mbedzi Campaign," held at the Makonde Stadium on Saturday, Amos's mother, Ms Muofhe Mbedzi, said she was praying that Mswati would release her son, so that he could come back home and live a normal life with them.

The campaign was organized by the South African Communist Party (SACP). Mbedzi, an ANC and MKMVA member, was last seen at home in September 2008 during the funeral service of his grandmother, Ms Avheani Netshitungulwane.

His younger brother, Lufuno, says the family learnt that Mbedzi was involved in an incident in Swaziland in September 2008.  He added that they heard that his brother was found guilty of trying to overthrow the Swaziland government.

One of Amos's two children, Doctor Mbedzi (18), says he misses the kindness and love of his father. "My father was everything to me. Now I just rely on memories we had when he was still here.”

Mr Skinjar Ramugumo, secretary of Alpheus Malivha branch of the SACP, stated that Mbedzi's release can only happen “if Swaziland attains its freedom from Mswati. Amos was arrested while supporting the freedom struggle of the people of Swaziland. It is clear that the most practical way for the safe return of Amos is through the victory of the freedom of Swazi people," says Ramugumo.

The campaign is supported by Swaziland Solidarity Network, the Communist League of Zimbabwe, Traditional Healers Association, churches, Mudzi Wa Vhurereli Ha Vhavenda, Umkhotho We Sizwe Military Veterans Association, Congress of South African Trade Union, ANC and its affiliates, the Thulamela Municipality, traditional leaders, students, unions and civic society from Swaziland, People's United Democratic Movement, Trade Union Congress of Swaziland, Communist Party of Swaziland and several other local leaders.

Date:04 July 2014

By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

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