… As he addresses the current security situation in the country
… Says volatile situation may stall dialogue
STORIES BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA AND OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE – “You are you brother’s keeper. Nawe uliphoyisa.”
This sentimental statement was shared by the Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, today at Cabinet in Mbabane during a Press Conference where he was addressing the alarming rise of violence in the country.
Masuku said government encouraged and urged all emaSwati to be vigilant whenever there were individuals that appeared to be conducting themselves in a suspicious manner in their respective communities.
In his opening remarks, he said the nation was aware that the state of violence to which the country had been subjected to, had also resulted in creating a conducive environment for social aggression.
“We are witnessing an alarming rise in the number of people who are killed in drinking halls (bars) and other related social gatherings,” he stated.
Using the popular Eswatini adage ‘Nawe uliphoyisa’, the Acting Prime Minister said together with emaSwati, they could close the space for all kinds of criminal activities that flourish in the country.
“We further encourage the nation to report any suspicious activities that they notice around their surroundings and communities to the Police through the emergency line 999/9999 or 112 National Disaster Management line,” said the Acting Prime Minister.
He went on to say having mentioned the above, government was pleased to inform the nation that the police were making progress in their investigations in respect of the recent acts of violence.
“In addition government would like to warn citizens to desist from accepting cash payments in exchange for committing heinous crimes including murder and destruction of property. Be aware that if it happens that you receive cash and fail to deliver on your promise, you might be the next victim in the hands of the killers,” he said.
Explaining the current security situation, Masuku said the nation was aware of the threats, violence and intimidation that had been imposed by the random killing of state security officers in the country, the destruction of both business and private properties and of government structures which are meant for people’s development.
“His Majesty’s Government would like to take this opportunity to assure the nation that drastic and practical steps are being implemented by all the security forces to ensure the safety and protection of emaSwati across the country.
“Government is mobilizing all resources at her disposal to enable the security forces to perform their respective national duties to contain the scourge of violence and protect all emaSwati and their properties as well as to safeguard the interests and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Finally, the Nation is urged to work together with Government to create a peaceful environment in the country that would be suitable for us to dialogue in a free manner and share ideas in terms of how best we build a stable and prosperous country for which future generations shall be grateful to inherit,” said Masuku.
“VOLATILE SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY STALLING DIALOGUE”- ACTING PRIME MINISTER
MBABANE- Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku said the on-going intimidation, through arson attacks, would delay the dialogue.
He said this after being asked if the dialogue would be impactful in the current volatile situation.
In his response, Masuku said the intimidation strategies would cause the dialogue to be lob-sided as some would not express their views.
The imitation strategies, according to Masuku, include the torching of property of people who hold opposing views.
“The dialogue should be a forum where people agree to disagree by bringing their views together without intimidation. Currently, a dialogue is not possible,” he said.
He then pleaded emaSwati to unite and refrain from acts of violence-for a fruitful dialogue.
