Football

MBABANE – “Court order or not, police can stop a meeting.”

This was the declaration from Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati following a tense standoff between police and frustrated Mbabane Swallows supporters. Vilakati was responding to questions about the legality of halting a public gathering without a court directive. She explained that police have the authority to intervene if a gathering poses a potential threat and creates a fertile ground for violence or is deemed illegal.

The clarification followed a dramatic episode that began around 10am at Princess Pholile Hall in Malkerns, where some Swallows fans had gathered to address the club’s ongoing challenges.

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Plan to meet Princess Lungile

MALKERNS – After police stopped a planned meeting, over 40 Mbabane Swallows supporters received some calming news.

Addressing the fans after the Malkerns Station Commander, Mathetha Shongwe, told them the meeting was illegal, Manzini chairperson, Mduduzi Msane revealed a new plan.

Msane explained that he had received a phone call from Princess Lungile. She informed him that he and the Mbabane Chairperson, Elvis Khanyile, along with five other branch chairpersons, should come to a meeting at 12pm at Madlenya House. The purpose of this gathering, she said, was to appoint them to look for a venue for a new supporters’ meeting.

*Full articles available in our paper.

Mbabane Swallows’ Manzini branch Chairperson,Mduduzi Msane (L), informs gathered supporters that their planned meeting at Princess Pholile Hall has been halted by police. A police officer is among the crowd, listening intently. (Pics: Sanele Jele)