/ 3 April 2008

DA wants probe into death of Swaziland politician

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday called for a speedy, comprehensive investigation into the death of the deputy president of Swaziland’s main opposition movement, Gabriel Mkhumane.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported that Mkhumane — from the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) — was shot dead in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday.

DA spokesperson Clive Hatch said it was important that the full circumstances of the shooting be made public.

Mkhumane was living in exile in Kanyamanzame, Mpumalanga. He was employed as a medical doctor at Themba Hospital in Kabokweni, the SABC said.

Trade union Solidarity spokesperson Lucky Lukene also insisted that a thorough investigation be conducted into Mkhumane’s death. — Sapa