Monarchy rejects polygamy reports

The Government of eSwatini denied reports that King Mswati III, Africa's last absolute monarch who has 14 wives, had ordered men to have at least two wives or face jail. The story, carried by the Zambian Observer and picked up by several other online publications, said Swazi men would have to marry multiple wives from June. The reports claim the government would sponsor marriage ceremonies and offer houses to men who entered into polygamous marriages. A TimesLIVE report notes that government spokesperson Percy Simelane labelled the story 'malicious' and 'poisonous'. 'His Majesty has not made any pronouncement to that effect as it has never been an issue raised by the people,' Simelane said.