Times Of Swaziland: BUSTA GOES TO MOUNTAINS, PRAYS FOR POLICE

BUSTA GOES TO MOUNTAINS, PRAYS FOR POLICE
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Joseph Zulu on 29/03/2025 09:20:00


PIGG’S PEAK – A popular police officer, Sergeant Busta Vilakati, has once
again gone to the mountains to seek divine intervention, this time for his
fellow police officers.
Based at the Pigg’s Peak Police Station, Vilakati led a group of individuals
in prayer last Saturday at a symbolic location nestled between two mountains. He
said the location of the spot where prayer was held is not only strategic
because it is quiet, far from police sirens and urban noise, it is also symbolic
as on each side, there is a mountain.
This is not the first time the sergeant has embarked on such a spiritual mission
to pray. Previously, he and his entourage of ‘prayer warriors did so due to
the political situation in the country which resulted in the unrest that left
many people killed and property damaged. During his previous prayer, Vilakati
prayed for Mangololo, a pro-Tinkhundla movement that was once mistakenly
believed to be a political formation. However, this time, Vilakati made it clear
that his prayers were focused solely on the challenges facing the police
service. He said this time, he wants to pray for unity and avoid a situation
where difference could result into violence.
In some videos which Eswatini News is in the possession of, Vilakati is heard
shouting some words while holding what appears like a mortar and pestle, as if
crashing some substance. He is seen wearing a kanga with a red, white and black
pattern.While praying, he also uses the word dlozi, which is associated with
ancestral prayers.
According to Vilakati, the police organisation is currently experiencing
internal divisions, largely stemming from financial disputes. While officers
have continued to carry out their duties with professionalism, he believes
tensions are simmering beneath the surface due to disagreements over the Phase
II of Circular No. 2 of 2014 (Phase Restructuring of the Royal Eswatini Police
Service-REPS and His Majesty’s Correctional Service-KMCS). “The police force
remains dedicated to its work, but there are issues of concern. Money is a
significant source of division among officers,” Vilakati alleged. “The
salary review process has created a sense of inequality, which has, in turn, led
to discontent.”
Vilakati explained that the choice of the location for the prayer place was
deliberate. The mountains between which the group gathered symbolised the
hierarchy within the police force—one side of the mountain representing senior
officers and the other the juniors. This symbolism, he said, reflected the
perceived divide within the ranks.
A particularly striking moment during the prayer was when Vilakati held a
handmade figure resembling a snake. At first it looked like a dried skin of a
python but Vilakati said this was not the case. Instead, he clarified that this
was not a real snake but a crafted representation, which was later burnt as part
of the ceremony.
“The snake symbolises deceitfulness,” he explained. “By burning it, we
were casting out all forms of deception and dishonesty. This act was not just
symbolic; it was a call for unity and integrity among officers.”
While some might interpret such an act in various ways, Vilakati emphasised that
the event was strictly about seeking divine intervention and purging negativity
from within the organisation. He noted that the gathering was not tied to any
specific religious denomination but was simply a group of individuals coming
together in prayer.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati who is the Chief Police
Information and Communications Officer was asked what her view is on the prayer
considering that the police officer was praying for the REPS. However, she said
she would not comment.
.... Reveals his kubutseka name as ‘Madokethi Ayalahleka’
PIGG’S PEAK – During the interview, Vilakati also shared insights into his
deep-rooted loyalty to the monarchy.As a member of the Inyathi Royal Regiment,
he has undergone kubutseka, a traditional initiation signifying allegiance to
Their Majesties. “This is something I am passionate about,” he said.
“Serving Their Majesties is an honour, and through kubutseka, one is given a
new name as a symbol of commitment.”
Vilakati then revealed that his given name is ‘Madokethi,’ short for
‘Madokethi ayalahlela’, which translates to ‘dockets go missing’. While
some might find this name intriguing, he clarified that it carries a deeper
meaning within the cultural and traditional context of the regiment.
Noteworthy, Vilakati was previously charged on a criminal matter alongside
another police officer and was suspended after this, about five years ago.
However, he was acquitted on this matter. Vilakati is also a member of the
Police Association, an internal organisation within the REPS. Recently; the
organisation has experienced concerns over Phase II Salary review. This was
after reports that one of the members, who is the Secretary of the association
Dumisile Khumalo, had been detained while heading to a meeting in Nhlangano.