Times Of Swaziland: SOLANI’S ASSAULT VIDEO: ‘CHESTER’ SUSPENDED

SOLANI’S ASSAULT VIDEO: ‘CHESTER’ SUSPENDED
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BY TIMES REPORTER on 24/05/2021 08:35:00


MBABANE – Following the circulating video on social media of a female being
allegedly assaulted at Solani’s Shisanyama, one of the directors has been
suspended.
According to a statement issued by Solani’s Businesses, Manchester Nxumalo,
popularly known as ‘Chester’, has been suspended following ongoing reports
based on the circulating video, showing the violent assault of the woman at the
popular hangout spot. Part of the statement reads; “A decision has been taken
by the directors of the business to suspend with immediate effect Manchester
Nxumalo from any of our businesses. As a business and directors of the
Solani’s brand, we cannot allow such behaviour on our premises as our policy
has always been to condemn in the strongest sense any form of gender based
violence.” The statement further reads; “Women who form a majority of our
business patrons should be cherished and protected against any acts of
violence.” According to the statement, hosting events such as Red Lipstick on
Women’s Month and the Beauty Fest were some of the initiatives that embraced
women empowerment.
Support
Also a number of other female artists have and continue to feature in events to
further highlight support for gender equity. Further, the directors through the
statement, mentioned that to allow the law to take its course, Nxumalo would not
be allowed in any of their business premises and they further encouraged whoever
had information on the assault to contact law enforcement officers. They stated
that on their part, they were ready and willing to assist the police and all
other stakeholders on any investigation regarding the matter. Staff members have
also been encouraged to assist the officers where possible. Meanwhile, the
directors apologised to their patrons and customers for the incident and further
assured everyone concerned that measures were being explored to ensure that such
acts of violence did not take place again. Following the trending video of the
incident on social media of a male suspected to be Nxumalo assaulting a female,
some womens’ rights organisations also called for the arrest of the Solani’s
director.
Boycotting
One Billion Rising Campaign Coordinator Colani Hlatshwako said they were calling
for the arrest of Nxumalo who happens to be a director at Solani’s and the
boycotting of his business by emaSwati. Hlatshwako stated that it did not make
sense that as women they supported businesses where there were allegations of
gender based violence (GBV), people who did not have the respect for others or
did not respect the rights of women.