Times Of Swaziland: YOUTH DISREGARD ‘OPERATION BOPHA’

YOUTH DISREGARD ‘OPERATION BOPHA’
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BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA on 04/01/2021 00:29:00


MBABANE - Despite these areas being declared COVID-19 hot spots, youth around
Msunduza and Mahwalala continue to breach COVID-19 regulations, disregarding the
‘Operation Bopha’.
As the nation grows anxious about the increasing cases of COVID-19 infections
and deaths, the country embarked on ‘Operation Bopha’, which was launched by
Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku last Wednesday. ‘Operation Bopha’ is an
initiative which seeks to enforce compliance with COVID-19 regulations by
arresting all those disregarding the regulations. During a visit around Mbabane
townships yesterday, it was noted that young people seemed to care less about
observing the COVID-19 regulations, despite the country’s health crisis.
Loitering
The youth was seen loitering in groups, not wearing masks while enjoying each
other’s company.
Some were wandering aimlessly in the streets while others sat in groups,
imbibing alcohol and having conversations.
Those who made the effort to wear masks put them under their chins.
It looked like a typical normal day where COVID-19 did not exist.
Worth noting is that the Hhohho Region has been recording the highest number of
COVID-19 infections in the country for the past month.
On Saturday alone, the Hhohho Region recorded 56 cases.
By the time this report was being compiled yesterday, the Hhohho Region had
recorded 3 951 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the emergence of the virus in the
country in March.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile
Vilakati said the Hhohho Region was the hardest to control during the crossover
weekend in comparison to the other regions in the country.
This resulted in a female Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) officer being
injured while trying to disperse a crowd at Ngwenya during ‘Operation
Bopha’. Vilakati said the people responsible for hurting the law enforcer were
arrested. “We are encouraged that some people complied with the regulations,
however, some citizens did not comply as they hosted parties. The Lubombo and
Shiselweni regions had a few cases where alcohol was being sold after the
regulated hours, gathering throngs of people who were eventually dispersed.
“The Manzini Region had a lot of house parties where people did not social
distance. Those parties were dispersed as well. “The Hhohho Region had
multiple gatherings that were not easy to disperse, especially at Ngwenya, where
a police officer was hurt,” said Vilakati. She said the operation was still in
motion and police were still going to be vigilant.