MBABANE – The investigation into the businessman allegedly linked to a planned attack on Incwala Ceremony attendees has led to a search for his reported accomplices within the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has since released a list of names and pictures of 20 men, who are alleged to be conspirators. The police are hot on the heels of these individuals to bring them to justice.
They are believed to be members of the underground group, Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, which claimed responsibility for a number of deaths and property destruction that occurred during the 2021/22 civil unrest.
The 20 men are reported to have previously worked with the arrested Mbabane-based businessman, Welile Zweli Dlamini (40) of Mpolonjeni. They are alleged to have together orchestrated the reportedly planned violent attack on members of the public attending the ongoing Incwala Ceremony.
According to the police, the suspects are wanted in connection with a string of organised offences, including murder and attempted murder. The law enforcers requested the public to remain vigilant and cooperated with authorities by reporting any information that may assist in bringing these individuals to justice.
The police announcement comes after intelligence-led operations successfully thwarted the planned attack during the culturally significant event. Authorities have urged members of the public to provide information on the whereabouts of these individuals to assist in their arrest.
Dlamini, who operates a security systems business and a clothing shop in Mbabane, was charged after being found in possession of firearms, ammunition and an explosive device.
Dlamini faces multiple charges, including contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of an explosive device. Investigations revealed a coordinated plan involving members of the underground Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, allegedly working with Dlamini, to carry out fatal shootings during the Incwala festivities.
Police have stressed that the release of names and pictures is part of an ongoing effort to bring all suspects to justice and prevent any threats to public safety.
By publicly releasing the names of wanted suspects, authorities aim to involve the community in ensuring safety while keeping public attention on the issue. The suspects come from various parts of the country.
One of the wanted men is Sifiso Innocent Mahlangu, who was accused of poisoning the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mlungisi Makhanya in an assassination attempt. Mahlanga is a resident of Ntondozi/Ndinda. They also include Phakamani Magagula, who was His Majesty’s Correctional Services. He defected during the unrest.
Dlamini has since been charged with multiple offences, including contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of an explosive device. According to the summary of evidence presented in court, police received intelligence indicating that there was a plot to disrupt the Incwala Ceremony by shooting people attending the event. Acting on this information, REPS members launched investigations that led them to the accused.
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PUDEMO confirms membership
MBABANE – The People’s United Democratic Movement has confirmed the membership of terrorism-accused businessman Welile Zweli Dlamini.
Secretary General Penuel Malinga said this yesterday when responding to questions from this newspaper.
“I can confirm that Comrade Zweli Dlamini is a member of PUDEMO from the External Region. Regarding the allegations against him, it is important to emphasise that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” he said.
He said PUDEMO has also instituted investigations on the allegations against their member and will be engaging with the leadership of the External Region to address this matter.
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… Zweli arrested under Terrorism Act
MBABANE – Businessman Zweli Dlamini is the 28th man to be arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008, since the 2021/22 civil unrest.
During this period, government and private property were either looted, vandalised or set on fire. The damage was estimated at E500 million. Police began rounding up suspects, others in groups and to date, 28 have been arrested, including former Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who were among the notable arrested individuals. SWALIMO President Mduduzi ‘Gawzela’ Simelane, who was an MP for Siphofaneni Inkhundla is still on the run after escaping this jurisdiction following the issuance of their arrested was issued in June 2021.
The former MPs were accused of conspiring to overthrow government, murder and, in the case of Mabuza, breaching COVID-19 restrictions. They were convicted and Mabuza was sentenced to 25 years and Dube 18 years.
However, Dube has since been conditionally released, courtesy of His Majesty’s Prerogative of Mercy. So far, Dube is the only one to have been released from prison. The other 27 are still in custody following the refusal of their applications for bail and subsequent appeals.
Zweli, who is a Mbabane-based businessman, was allegedly found in possession of firearms, ammunition and an explosive device. The summary of evidence provided by the Crown outlines a coordinated plan by underground group, Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, allegedly working in connection with the businessman, to carry out fatal shootings during the ongoing Incwala Ceremony. He is currently in detention after making his first court appearance at the High Court last Wednesday.
*Full article available in our publication
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