YOUTH DISREGARD ‘OPERATION BOPHA’

MBABANE - Despite these areas being declared COVID-19 hot spots, youth around Msunduza and Mahwalala continue to breach COVID-19 regulations, disregarding the ‘Operation Bopha’.

As the nation grows anxious about the increasing cases of COVID-19 infections and deaths, the country embarked on ‘Operation Bopha’, which was launched by Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku last Wednesday. ‘Operation Bopha’ is an initiative which seeks to enforce compliance with COVID-19 regulations by arresting all those disregarding the regulations. During a visit around Mbabane townships yesterday, it was noted that young people seemed to care less about observing the COVID-19 regulations, despite the country’s health crisis.

Loitering 

The youth was seen loitering in groups, not wearing masks while enjoying each other’s company. 

Some were wandering aimlessly in the streets while others sat in groups, imbibing alcohol and having conversations.

Those who made the effort to wear masks put them under their chins. 

It looked like a typical normal day where COVID-19 did not exist.

Worth noting is that the Hhohho Region has been recording the highest number of COVID-19 infections in the country for the past month.

On Saturday alone, the Hhohho Region recorded 56 cases. 

By the time this report was being compiled yesterday, the Hhohho Region had recorded 3 951 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the emergence of the virus in the country in March. 

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said the Hhohho Region was the hardest to control during the crossover weekend in comparison to the other regions in the country.

This resulted in a female Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) officer being injured while trying to disperse a crowd at Ngwenya during ‘Operation Bopha’. Vilakati said the people responsible for hurting the law enforcer were arrested. “We are encouraged that some people complied with the regulations, however, some citizens did not comply as they hosted parties. The Lubombo and Shiselweni regions had a few cases where alcohol was being sold after the regulated hours, gathering throngs of people who were eventually dispersed.

“The Manzini Region had a lot of house parties where people did not social distance. Those parties were dispersed as well. “The Hhohho Region had multiple gatherings that were not easy to disperse, especially at Ngwenya, where a police officer was hurt,” said Vilakati. She said the operation was still in motion and police were still going to be vigilant.

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