Times Of Swaziland: DAGGA GROWERS LIVING WITH YOUNG GIRLS IN FORESTS

DAGGA GROWERS LIVING WITH YOUNG GIRLS IN FORESTS
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BY JOSEPH ZULU on 12/10/2017 00:39:00


PIGG’S PEAK – Instead of being in school like other children, some underage
girls have been turned into live-in lovers inside tents pitched in dagga fields,
hidden from the rest of the community.
This was revealed during a crime prevention event hosted by the Royal Swaziland
Police (RSP) to honour business owners for supporting a crime prevention drive
which was held on August 11, 2017.
The crime prevention drive was organised by the police in collaboration with the
town council, business owners and various government departments.
Prince Kekela, who is the chief of Mvuma requested the police to come to their
rescue following the scourge of young girls being turned into wives in the
bushes by dagga dealers.
Prince Kekela, who is also a senator, was speaking on behalf of chiefs under
northern Hhohho Region.
The senator did not mince words when pointing out concerns not only in his
community but northern Hhohho in general.
He revealed that dagga dealers often lured the underage girls with expensive
vehicles which they spin around the communities.
Concern
He expressed concern that dagga growing was still high in the region.
“These men then impregnate the girls. After harvesting their dagga, they then
leave the area, leaving behind children who are classified as orphans,” said
Chief Kekela.
The large number of bars around Pigg’s Peak was also a problem according to
Prince Kekela.