OVER 50 ASIANS ARRESTED

MBABANE – The counting of profits and losses was a matter of another day for Asian businessmen after police officers paid them a surprise visit on Wednesday.

The police visit to the Asian shops resulted in them arresting some, for conducting their businesses without valid permits.
In Swaziland, a permit to operate a business is granted by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade in urban areas. On Swazi Nation Land, business permits are granted by the Swaziland Commercial Amadoda, through a King’s consent.

In total, 12 Asians who are conducting businesses were arrested after it appeared that they were operating their businesses in the country without the valid permits. Four others were found to be in the country illegally in the capital city.
It appeared that a majority of them were from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. They were arrested in various places in an operation that was conducted by the Royal Swaziland Police.

 Some were arrested in Mbabane, Ezulwini, Lobamba and Elangeni. While in the same operation, the police established that some Asians were in the country illegally as they failed to produce permits allowing them to remain in the country.
They all made their appearances at the Mbabane Magistrates Court to answer for their actions yesterday.

Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati found them guilty and sentenced them to five months imprisonment, with an option of E500 fine each. One Asian was fined E1 000 for possessing a forged visa. Among the Asians was a Zimbabwean national, who was also arrested for conducting a business without a valid permit in the country.

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