Times Of Swaziland: TERRORISED RESIDENTS EMBARK ON MANHUNT

TERRORISED RESIDENTS EMBARK ON MANHUNT
================================================================================
 BY KHULEKANI NENE AND JOSEPH ZULU on 10/05/2019 00:49:00


BUHLENI – There was a verbal showdown between police officers and residents of
the communities that have been targeted by an armed gang.
This was after the residents embarked on a manhunt for a man believed to be part
of the gang that has been terrorising the communities.
Over 700 residents had gathered yesterday to search for the suspect, who is said
to be a local citizen working with a South African crime syndicate.
The residents first assembled at Malibeni community before heading north,
towards Buhleni, where the homestead of the suspect is located.
The name of the suspect is known to this publication but will not be revealed
for ethical reasons.
According to the residents, the suspect was identified by one of the victims who
were attacked by the armed gang on Tuesday night. “One of the people who was
beaten by the gang shared with us the facial description of the suspect and his
name,” said a resident.
While marching to the homestead of the suspect, the residents were blocked by a
group of police officers who informed them that it was unlawful and dangerous
for them to search for the suspect.
A verbal showdown reportedly ensued as some of the residents insisted that they
be allowed to search for the suspect.
“We blatantly told the police that we will not back down as we have been shown
the homestead of the suspect,” said a resident.
After almost two hours, police eventually backed down.
They reportedly allowed the residents to continue with the manhunt but only if
they would be accompanied by the police.
According to the residents, police also proposed that not all the residents
should be part of the manhunt.