Maseko was sitting in his living room at home with his family on Sunday in the town of Luyengo when gunmen shot him through a window.

“Thulani Maseko was a stalwart of human rights who, at great risk to himself, spoke up for many who couldn’t speak up for themselves," Mr Turk said in a statement.

“The Eswatini authorities must also ensure the safety and security of all Eswatini people, including human rights defenders, journalists and political activists, and to protect civic space.”