RITUAL SUSPECTED AFTER SALT FOUND SCATTERED AT ENFRES PREMISES

MBABANE – Coarse salt was found scattered on the premises of the Mbabane Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), raising suspicions that someone may have performed a ritual.

ENFRES personnel said the discovery had left them shell-shocked as they struggled to go about their duties as usual. The salt was found scattered next to one of the offices, some at the entrance to the office, while some was scattered towards the hallway to the first floor.

Suspicious

The personnel claimed to have seen an officer engage in suspicious behaviour on Saturday and yesterday. When the Times journalist arrived, cleaners at the institution were standing aloof, saying they were afraid to do their work in fear of receiving spells, should they touch the foreign substances. They said the salt particles looked like they had been mixed with other oily substances. One of the fire personnel alleged that an officer came to work on Saturday, despite being off-duty. It was alleged that the officer should be held liable for the scattered salt. One of the fire personnel, who allegedly witnessed the Saturday incident, told this publication that, the official made certain incantations while dispersing the salt.

The source said the official had continued to scatter the salt, despite being aware that some junior officers were watching. “I was left shocked and speechless to see one of the officials performing such stunts in broad daylight. I have never seen someone doing such a thing since I was born,” alleged the eyewitness. Another officer said as if that was not enough, the same official arrived early at work yesterday and continued where he left off on Saturday, by scattering more salt in different entrances to the offices. Information gathered from the sources was that the officer allegedly scattered the salt on the pathway, where everyone was bound to pass through to access other offices, situated on the first floor.

When journalists went to investigate, part of the salt was found in the garage. Staff members who looked distraught could not respond to questions with ease, saying they feared being victimised, should they be caught out for speaking to the media. While conversing among themselves, they said they were tired of the said official. On the other hand, the official accused of scattering the salt said; “I did not see any salt on the ground. I came as early as 7:30am yesterday. It means someone did this purposely to tarnish my name.”

Confirmed

The officer further told this publication that one of the officers confirmed to have seen salt on the ground but had no idea of its source. According to the officer, there was currently ongoing tensions between him and some fire personnel, following the ongoing recruitment exercise. The officer said accusations were flying now and then. When asked about Saturday’s incident, the senior officer confirmed coming to work on the day, since the recruitment exercise had not been finalised. “I did not see the salt they are talking about even on Saturday. Angiwubonangaloswayi mine ngalelolanga,” said the officer.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: