Times Of Swaziland: MYSTERY SURROUNDS DEATH OF DAGGA FARMER

MYSTERY SURROUNDS DEATH OF DAGGA FARMER
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Kwanele Dlamini on 04/02/2025 09:18:00


HLATIKHULU – A pall of mystery hangs over the Mweni community following the
discovery of a man’s decomposed body in a dagga field. The grim discovery,
made by the man’s grandmother on Sunday morning, has left residents reeling
from shock and sparked a police investigation. According to a source, the body
of the 32-year-old man was found inside a shack located within the sprawling
dagga fields at Mweni. The report, filed by an 81-year-old resident of Mweni,
stated that she discovered her grandson’s body at approximately 9:30am on
February 2, 2025. The man, who was known to be a dagga farmer, had apparently
been dead for some time, his body in a state of decomposition.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain unclear, and police are
treating the case as a sudden death. Detectives are currently investigating the
scene and interviewing potential witnesses in an effort to piece together the
events leading up to the tragic discovery.  According to sources close to the
investigation, police are exploring several possibilities, including natural
causes and foul play. The remote location of the shack, nestled deep within the
dagga fields, adds another layer of intrigue to the case.
Tragedy
Speculation is rife within the community. “It’s a tragedy,” commented a
resident who wished to remain anonymous. “He was a quiet man, kept to himself
mostly. No one expected anything like this.” This incident comes against the
backdrop of increasing violence related to the drug trade nationwide. In recent
years, there have been numerous reports of deadly disputes and gang activity
connected to dagga cultivation and distribution. Last year, a dangerous
high-speed pursuit of suspected dagga robbers, initiated by enraged farmers,
ended in one death near Mananga Border Gate. A 34-year-old man from Kudzeni,
outside Manzini, was fatally shot by police during the chase, which followed a
robbery near Mhlangatane.
Four of his accomplices were severely beaten by a mob of nearly 100 farmers
after being discovered hiding in sugar cane fields. The chase intensified as the
robbers evaded two attempted blockades by the farmers. The mountainous terrain
of northern Hhohho, known for its dagga cultivation, made the pursuit
challenging. At one point, the robbers abandoned their vehicles and fled into
nearby sugar cane fields. Two suspects reportedly escaped into South Africa. The
four captured suspects were then subjected to a severe beating by the angry mob
before being handed over to the authorities. The incident highlighted the
ongoing issue of dagga-related crime in the region, where Swazi Gold is often
smuggled into neighbouring countries.