The mother of Fanelo “Lioness” Sibandze, Deputy Secretary General of the MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), was allegedly attacked due to her daughter’s political involvement. According to reports, unknown men repeatedly visited her home under the pretext of borrowing a car pump after claiming vehicle breakdowns. Suspicious of their actions, she questioned why they continually approached her household despite other nearby homes with cars being available. Following these incidents, she was reportedly poisoned and later hospitalized, but survived. Speaking anonymously for security reasons, she confirmed the attacks. Sibandze also confirmed that her mother has faced repeated harassment because of her political views.
The reported attack on the family member of a pro-democracy activist, if substantiated, raises concerns regarding the practical enjoyment of fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, association, and participation in public affairs.