ARMED SECURITY PERSONNEL IN IMBALI BUSES

LUDZIDZINI - Security has been tightened for this year’s annual Reed Dance Ceremony.

So tight is the security that maidens from all the four regions of the country were escorted by armed security personnel from their chiefdoms to Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where they registered for the event. While at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, some uniformed and plain-clothes armed security personnel alighted from the buses along with the maidens. It should be noted that the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police William Tsitsibala Dlamini made it known that security personnel would guard against anything that would sabotage or intimidate the maidens during the course of the event.

Dlamini issued the warning after the security agency noted some elements which they believed were aimed at intimidating the young girls and sabotaging the event. The maidens arrived in a jovial mood despite the cold weather. They were singing and dancing as they moved towards the registration spot. Noted was that there was a common song which the maidens sang as they moved towards the registration spot. The song was derived from a Bible verse, where Jesus Christ was quoted having said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

Song

The song said, “Ngwenyama uze ubatsetselele, abakwati labekwentako.” It is common that regiments, be it Imbali, Lutsango or warriors, praise or condemn an act in the form of songs during cultural events. Upon arrival at the registration spot, the maidens were reminded of the expectation during the course of the event. They were warned against the use of insults. The young girls were encouraged to maintain hygiene and show concern for each other. They were reminded to assemble at Ludzidzini Royal Residence at 6am in preparation to march to Ngabezweni Royal Residence at 7am. “You are reminded that artificial hair, make-up and braids are not allowed. If you decide to wear a tight underneath, make sure it is covered,” the maidens were told. At the time of compiling this report, the number of registered maidens could not be ascertained.

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