Hunter arrested

MBABANE – Private Investigator Hunter Shongwe has been arrested for using a spy aircraft without a valid licence or permit.

The gadget operates as a ‘floating’ camera and takes pictures of people and places without raising suspicion.  The owner of such an aircraft operates it using a hand held remote control.
Shongwe was arrested by police officers from the Hhohho Serious Crimes Unit (Lukhozi) on Tuesday afternoon.

He is alleged to have contravened the Regulations of Aviation in that he operated the aircraft without having obtained a licence.  
Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Wendy Hleta confirmed Shongwe’s arrest.  
She said Shongwe is expected to appear before court today. Information gathered is that he is currently kept at the Mbabane Police Station.

According to the Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) Act of 2009, all people who need to fly an aircraft for whatever purpose are supposed to obtain a licence from SWACAA. This is the same gadget which Shongwe once alleged had gone missing while flying in the direction of Somhlolo National Stadium where members of the League of Churches were arriving for the Easter services.

The small aircraft was allegedly on a mission to record everything that was happening at the stadium and surrounding areas during the services.  In a previous interview with the Times SUNDAY, Shongwe said that the spy aircraft was worth E20 000.

- Are our laws so poor that the do not protect us from the invasion of our privacy. I hope Mr. Editor you will talk to one of our lawyers about our right to privacy and when it can be violated and if this guy has the right to invade our privacy in this manner. We as Swazis may be so used in the violation of our rights that we may not find this man's actions anything to worry much about but we have our visitors from other countries who may be shocked that some crazy fellow may decided as any time, without any legal consequences, to take his nude picture whilst in his private hotel room. So we need serious discussion of this topic.
May 2, 2013, 12:11 pm, Mpumi

- Really? So this effectively means that anyone flying a remote control TOY airplane or flying object needs to obtain a licence? I think this arrest is just the police getting tired of Hunter's antics. This "spy" plane is sold in toy shops in malls, shopping centres, electronics shops!! Nowhere does it say that licences are required. Next thing we know we'll need licences to throw things because they are by definition also FLYING objects!
May 2, 2013, 12:58 pm, Shongwe

 - Mr Editor, This device is not an aircraft. I don't really understand what's going on in Swaziland. This is just a remote controlled camera. Itfwala bangakhi bantfu yona lendiza? These devices are not categorized under aircraft. I think someone is having issues with the private investigator, that's all. Ey futsi lendzaba iyahlekisa.
May 2, 2013, 1:07 pm, Sandile

 - what really happening here in swaziland its like the country doesnot want technolgy.just wondering if any one has ever watched 24 the series
May 2, 2013, 1:50 pm, hlengiwe

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