SOLANI’S ASSAULT VIDEO: ‘CHESTER’ SUSPENDED

MBABANE – Following the circulating video on social media of a female being allegedly assaulted at Solani’s Shisanyama, one of the directors has been suspended.

According to a statement issued by Solani’s Businesses, Manchester Nxumalo, popularly known as ‘Chester’, has been suspended following ongoing reports based on the circulating video, showing the violent assault of the woman at the popular hangout spot. Part of the statement reads; “A decision has been taken by the directors of the business to suspend with immediate effect Manchester Nxumalo from any of our businesses. As a business and directors of the Solani’s brand, we cannot allow such behaviour on our premises as our policy has always been to condemn in the strongest sense any form of gender based violence.” The statement further reads; “Women who form a majority of our business patrons should be cherished and protected against any acts of violence.” According to the statement, hosting events such as Red Lipstick on Women’s Month and the Beauty Fest were some of the initiatives that embraced women empowerment.

Support

Also a number of other female artists have and continue to feature in events to further highlight support for gender equity. Further, the directors through the statement, mentioned that to allow the law to take its course, Nxumalo would not be allowed in any of their business premises and they further encouraged whoever had information on the assault to contact law enforcement officers. They stated that on their part, they were ready and willing to assist the police and all other stakeholders on any investigation regarding the matter. Staff members have also been encouraged to assist the officers where possible. Meanwhile, the directors apologised to their patrons and customers for the incident and further assured everyone concerned that measures were being explored to ensure that such acts of violence did not take place again. Following the trending video of the incident on social media of a male suspected to be Nxumalo assaulting a female, some womens’ rights organisations also called for the arrest of the Solani’s director.

Boycotting

One Billion Rising Campaign Coordinator Colani Hlatshwako said they were calling for the arrest of Nxumalo who happens to be a director at Solani’s and the boycotting of his business by emaSwati. Hlatshwako stated that it did not make sense that as women they supported businesses where there were allegations of gender based violence (GBV), people who did not have the respect for others or did not respect the rights of women.

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