PUBLIC FEELS HARASSED AS COPS DEMAND PROOF OF RESIDENCE

MBABANE – Some members of the public felt harassed by the conduct of law enforcers who wanted them to show proof of residence prior to moving about.

The police officers were littered all over the capital city to minimise the movement of people as per the dictates of the partial lockdown. Police officers were visible in almost every street of the capital city yesterday morning. The armed forces personnel positioned themselves strategically to make sure that members of the public were questioned before they were allowedto continue with their journey. While near the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the officers of the law were seen engaging members of the public.

Regulations

“We are not here to fight anyone but to remind you about the regulations embodied in the partial lockdown. The partial lockdown prohibits moving around in town. People are expected to remain in their houses to minimise the spread of coronavirus,” the police officers told the public. The police officers stated that only people who provided essential services and those who were going to buy food and needed medication were allowed to be in town. “Make sure you do your business and go home as soon as you finish. Loitering is not allowed within the 20 days of the partial lockdown,” the police officers told the public.

However, other law enforcers were not so friendly as they requested pedestrians to show them proof of residence to corroborate where they were headed to. Noted was that the police officers were deployed along with officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services in some streets. However, it was gathered that members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force were visible in some parts of the town. The public was heard murmuring claiming that the security officers, especially those from the defence force forced them to leave the parks and other places where they used to relax and play games while in town.

The Coronation Park where people usually spend their time with friends while in town was clear. There were few people at the Freedom Square Park near the Buy ‘N Save Spar. However, it was noted that it was only the regular faces and the employees who were seen during their lunch hour.

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