Mbabane – Former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament (MP), Mthandeni Dube, narrowly escaped an alleged attempt on his life while undergoing trial for terrorism and murder charges, according to a reliable source close to the family.
The source revealed that one of Dube’s estranged relatives reportedly tried to poison him during the period leading up to his sentencing. Dube, who was arrested alongside former Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza in 2021, was convicted in June 2023 under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, and was also found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison, while Mabuza received 25 years.
During his time in custody, Dube, like all inmates awaiting sentencing, could choose to eat food supplied by family members rather than rely on prison meals. According to the source, he initially chose to eat food provided by the Mabuza family, as he did not trust certain relatives. In the final days of his trial, however, Dube reportedly elected to rely solely on prison meals. The source said that, as a man of principle and pride, he felt it was better not to accept outside food, even from the Mabuza family.
Correctional Services officers also reportedly rejected food brought by the relative in question, citing regulations that only one person can supply an inmate at a time. The officers said combining prison meals with outside food could create complications and make it difficult to determine responsibility in the event of illness. Dube’s decision to stick with prison meals is believed to have prevented him from consuming the allegedly poisoned food.
The source said the rift between Dube and the relative began after he was elected to Parliament, with political and personal differences creating lasting estrangement. Some family members reportedly claimed Dube had brought his troubles upon himself by opposing the authorities.
In a dramatic turn of events, Dube was later pardoned by His Majesty King Mswati III. The pardon followed an apology delivered through his emissary, Prince Simelane, during Correctional Services Day on 20 June 2025. Dube was subsequently released on 04 November 2025. One of the conditions of his release stipulated that he must not speak to the media, meaning he could not comment on the alleged poisoning or his trial.
Attempts to reach the relative allegedly involved in the poisoning were unsuccessful. When contacted, she immediately terminated the call, and subsequent attempts went unanswered.
Discussion about this post