Times Of Swaziland: UNCERTAINTY AS NATCOM SAYS MARCH UNLAWFUL, WARNS EMASWATI

UNCERTAINTY AS NATCOM SAYS MARCH UNLAWFUL, WARNS EMASWATI
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Sibusiso Shange on 15/11/2022 07:09:00


MBABANE - The National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, William Tsitsibala
Dlamini, says today’s proposed march remains unlawful in the absence of
permission from the relevant structures.
Dlamini said for a march to take place, the organisers had to seek permission
from the relevant structures, which included municipalities and the police. 
Today, people aligned to the mass democratic movement have planned to march en
masse to the High Court of Eswatini today to offer support to incarcerated
Members of Parliament (MPs) Bacede Mabuza of Hosea and Mthandeni Dube of
Ngwempisi.
However, the NATCOM said in the absence of the permission allowing people to
march, the law enforcement agents would be all out to ensure public safety.  He
stated that police would be working hand in hand with the other security forces
to ensure the safety of the public. “We have no evidence that people have been
granted permission to march today. Joint security agents will be all out to
ensure public safety. We are not expecting anyone to harass or intimidate those
going to work as today will be treated as a normal day,” Dlamini said, before
wishing the nation a peaceful working day. He pleaded with the public to comply
with the security agents in case they were called to order. Dlamini mentioned
that failure to comply might result in them using minimum force.
The NATCOM also pleaded with the public not to be tempted to join the march if
they had no intention to do so. He made an example about those who would leave
home for work, stating that they should not join in case they were disturbed or
released from work.  Dlamini was also asked about the visibility of security
forces personel on the public roads at night. He was asked if the visibility of
the security forces meant an unannounced curfew. In response, Dlamini stated
that as far as the police were concerned, people were allowed to travel at
anytime of the night as long as they were able to comply with the security
personnel. “We know that some people work until late. Some motor vehicles are
branded, making it easy to identify. We advise, however, that if the security
personnel stop you, just comply and give them the explanation they are looking
for as opposed to running away. Even if you are drunk, do not run away because
such might result in them exploring other means to get hold of you,” Dlamini
said.