Esatwini Responds To 'King Mswati III Is Critically Ill' Reports

The government of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has dismissed as fake news reports that the country’s leader, King Mswati III was critically ill and has been hospitalised.

In a statement posted on the government’s Twitter account, acting government spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini said:

Government has noted fake social media reports claiming His Majesty King Mswati III was critically ill with COVID-19. This is purely fake news. His Majesty is well and in good health.

Such fabrication perpetrated by elements intent on sowing confusion and panic is unacceptable and appalling. The government wishes to warn perpetrators of such misinformation that they are in breach of COVID-19 regulation and risk prosecution.

This comes after Swaziland News reported that Mswati III was in critical condition at a hospital, citing high profile royal sources.

The online publication added that the King was admitted at Manzana Royal Hospital in a critical condition and struggling to breathe.

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