PM REVEALES THAT THERE ARE LEADS WITH SOME SHOOTINGS AND ARSON ATTACKS
… As he passes his condolences the families and colleagues of the two shot police
… Says such acts of terror shall not be tolerated, criminals to be brought to book
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE- There are some leads with the on-going police shootings and arson attacks.
This is according to His Excellency Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, who revealed this today during a Press Conference where he was condemning the shooting of the two police officers who were murdered in cold blood at Grand Valley (GV) in Manzini yesterday.
The PM revealed this during a question and answer session, where Eswatini Positive News Director Mbongeni Ndlela asked if there were any leads in the on-going incidents of shootings and arson attacks.
The premier responded, saying there were a few leads, however, stating that police investigators were not encouraged to reveal the information to them.
“The police, however, do, time and again, report to us their progress on their investigation,” said the PM.
At the beginning of his address, His Excellency the Prime Minister said it was with deep sadness and pain that he, once again, find himself having to address an issue that touched on the ruthless shedding of innocent blood, following the callous, coldblooded murder of two innocent policemen yesterday morning in Manzini.
“First and foremost, I wish to pass my sincere condolences to the families, relatives and colleagues of the two police officers who were killed in the most cruel manner. Sitsi madvudvu kini nonkhe bekunene. Your loss is a loss to the Nation which you selflessly served with dedication and commitment to the last day of your lives.
“Whilst a few criminal elements perceive you as their enemy because you stand on the way of their evil intentions, the majority of emaSwati regard you as their heroes, their protectors, and their last hope against the wave of terrorism that the country is faced with,” said the PM.
He went on to say it was sad that these police officers, and several others before them, have laid down their lives whilst on duty protecting their fellow emaSwati, saying they were breadwinners in their homes and were leaving behind widows and orphans in their wake.
“This cannot benefit emaSwati in anyway as it puts further a strain to an already suffering population and economy. We, as a Nation, have been left poorer with their untimely demise.
“It is very unfortunate that there are in our midst criminals who trivialise life so much that for a few Emalangeni reward they are more than willing to take away human life. EmaSwati will not allow them to get away with it.
“I also wish to condemn in the strongest terms the irrational sustained arson attacks on Tinkhundla centres. What these criminals and their masters do not seem to understand is that Tinkhundla Government is more than just a physical structure, but it is a “political system” that is entrenched in the political fabric of emaSwati. It is not physical but cultural; it cannot be destroyed,” said His Excellency.
The PM further said government unequivocally condemned all acts, methods, and practices of terrorism, saying no act of violence in whatever form could be justified, regardless of the motive.
“Government calls upon all emaSwati to, individually and collectively, stand up against terrorism. Someone out there knows these people and can help end the violence. Let us stop hiding these criminals. Who is to say those that are hiding these terrorists are safe themselves? Let us all be responsible citizens and say enough with the killings and arson attacks. Remember, nawe uliphoyisa Ngwane.”
Putting his address to rest, the PM said His Majesty’s Government will continue to put more effort in protecting emaSwati against these terrorist elements- and work in collaboration with State security agents.
“We will not hesitate to bring to book anyone found guilty of these activities and will not rest until each and every one of them is brought to justice.We cannot allow the senseless killings of innocent emaSwati to continue unabated,” he said.
