I’ve not resigned because of audio – Mashumi

Murder suspect Mashumi Shongwe says his resignation from the CMAC Governing Board was entirely a personal and professional decision, dismissing suggestions that he was forced to step down by a leaked audio.

The Federation of Eswatini Trade Unions (FESWATU) President said he was not pushed into his decision following his resignation that was communicated by Ministry of Labour and Social Security Principal Secretary (PS) Makhosini Mndawe yesterday.

In a statement, Mndawe said the ministry had received Shongwe’s resignation from the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) Governing Board.

This comes after a leaked controversial audio with defamatory contents that cannot be shared by this publication.

Shongwe said he was under no pressure to resign and described the decision as entirely his own.

“This is my professional decision. I was not pushed by anyone or anything. I simply want to focus on my other responsibilities because I have many commitments. I cannot comment on the audios or my private life,” he said.

He added that online publications often write whatever they want about people, particularly those who choose not to respond, making it pointless to engage with them.

“Online publications are all about making money. My resignation from CMAC is purely a professional decision. It has nothing to do with the audio. Let the online publication enjoy it,” he said.

Shongwe is currently out on bail for the alleged link to the death of his wife and police officer Tigezile Magongo-Shongwe. Prosecutors alleged that he hired hitmen to kill her and its veracity is still to be tested as his case is still before the courts and he has not been convicted of the charges.

Asked whether the leaked audio could affect his pending court case, Shongwe declined to comment, saying the matter was before the courts.

He explained that commenting publicly could violate court principles and potentially influence the legal process.

“The matter is in court, so I cannot comment further. The audio could be used as evidence, and I do not want to compromise the proceedings. I choose to remain professional and reserve my comments completely,” he said.

He said online publications have become a platform for destroying reputations and tarnishing people’s character because they publish stories without verifying the facts.

According to Shongwe, many online publishers are driven solely by the desire to increase their following by posting negative stories about individuals, while rarely highlighting positive developments.

He argued that their focus is on making money through sensationalism and public humiliation rather than practising responsible journalism by verifying the information they receive.

“Most of them are people who cannot even account for their work. Because they are nowhere to be found, they are merely street journalists. I choose to remain professional and not associate myself with them,” he said.

The statement issued by the ministry also confirmed that Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi accepted the resignation with effect from yesterday.

“The ministry of labour and social security wishes to express its appreciation to Mr Shongwe for his service and contribution to the work of CMAC during his tenure and wishes him well in his professional responsibilities,” the statement said.

Shongwe was appointed to the CMAC Governing Board in October last year while he was out on bail. His appointment attracted public attention because of the ongoing murder case.

The ministry also announced that FESWATU, which nominated Shongwe for the board position, would submit the name of a replacement through the required procedures. A new board member will be appointed after the nomination process is completed.

Asked about the audio, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane said police were not conducting any follow-up investigations. She added that officers receive threats regularly and are not intimidated or concerned by them.