Eswatini opposition leader poisoned in South Africa - party

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, has reportedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt and is in critical condition in a South African hospital, his party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), announced.

Makhanya, who has been in exile for two years due to fears for his safety, was allegedly poisoned in his Pretoria home.

The Eswatini government denied involvement, with a spokesperson stating that they "do not kill or poison suspects."

Pudemo claims this attack is linked to planned pro-democracy protests next month calling for multi-party elections in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III.