06/05/2026
Commission Calls for End to Violence and Stigma Against Older Persons
The Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity expresses deep concern over reports that an 81 year old woman, Julia Tsabedze, died after being assaulted by neighbours following accusations of witchcraft in Lavumisa. The Commission extends condolences to the family and condemns the incident as a serious violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, dignity, and security of person.
The Commission emphasises that no allegation, whether based on superstition, rumour, or personal grievance can justify violence or vigilante action. Such acts undermine the rule of law, threaten community safety, and erode the constitutional protection of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as older persons. The Commission calls for a thorough, impartial investigation and accountability in accordance with due process.
This incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards for older persons in Eswatini. The Commission underscores the importance of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, which provides a comprehensive framework to address discrimination, abuse, harmful practices, and social exclusion affecting older persons.
The Protocol contains protections directly relevant to this case. Article 3 requires the elimination of discrimination and harmful stereotypes that marginalise older persons, while Article 8 obliges States to prohibit and eliminate harmful traditional practices, including witchcraft accusations. Article 9 recognises that older women are particularly vulnerable to violence and discrimination and requires their protection, including in matters related to property and inheritance.
Articles 12 and 13 emphasise support for older caregivers and protection for older persons with disabilities, recognising their social roles and potential vulnerabilities. Article 19 highlights the importance of awareness raising programmes to combat negative attitudes and educate communities about ageing.
The Commission therefore urges the Government to accelerate the ratification and domestication of the Protocol and to implement concrete measures that give effect to its provisions. In particular, the Commission calls for a coordinated national approach that includes prevention, protection, and accountability mechanisms for violence against older persons. Central to this is the establishment of sustained public education and community engagement initiatives aimed at eliminating harmful beliefs that associate ageing with witchcraft and fostering a culture of respect for older persons.
The Commission further calls upon communities to reject violence, uphold human dignity, and resolve disputes through lawful means. Protecting older persons is a shared responsibility, essential to building a just, safe, and inclusive society.
Issued: 06 May 2026
Phakama Shili
Executive Secretary