Mbabane – Murder accused Mashumi Shongwe has said that his resignation from the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) board has nothing to do with the online-circulating audio allegedly pinning him to the drafting of a hit list including a judge of the High Court.
In an interview with Eswatini Observer, Shongwe, who is to face a murder trial for the death of his wife, Tigezile Magongo-Shongwe, said he stepped down for personal reasons.
Shongwe, Federation of Eswatini Trade Unions’ (FESWATU) president, says he has not been forced to resign but took a professional decision to do so. 
“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’s quoted by the publication as having said.
The minister of labour and social security, Phila Buthelezi, accepted his resignation after nine months in office and awaits FESTUWA to forward another name as replacement.
Shongwe says he was potentially a victim of online bashing and character assassination and opted not to respond to direct questions surrounding the leaked audio.
He also declined to comment on the pending court matter, citing sub judice. He’s out on bail.
