Times Of Swaziland: COPS SHOOT ALLEGED LOOTER IN LEGS

COPS SHOOT ALLEGED LOOTER IN LEGS
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BY SIBUSISO SHANGE on 20/07/2021 08:39:00


MBABANE- A 35-year-old man of Mvutshini in Ezulwini was on Saturday shot in both
legs after allegedly escaping from police custody shortly after being arrested.
Information gathered was to the effect that Thulani Issa Fakudze had just been
arrested for allegedly breaching Section 15 (3) of the Public Order Act of 2017
when he reportedly escaped from the custody of Constable Siphiwo Sikhondze from
Lobamba Police Station.
Stealing
Fakudze is accused of stealing a Defy deep freezer and a glass display fridge,
both totalling E12 000. The items were allegedly stolen at TSK General Dealer on
June 29, 2021 during the unrest which resulted in the vandalism, looting and
burning of some businesses in the country. Through his lawyer, Fakudze applied
for bail in order to be able to seek medical attention. He submitted that his
injuries required proper medical attention as he was allegedly shot three times
in both legs. The accused mentioned that he had not accessed medication, not
even painkillers since he was shot last Saturday.  He was walking with the aid
of a broomstick when he appeared in court, which he used as a crutch. In view of
the circumstances, Acting Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati granted
Fakudze bail fixed at E2 000. This was after the Crown had informed the court
that it was not opposing the bail application. Magistrate Vilakati stated that
Fakudze was granted bail to enable him to seek medical attention. The court
warned Fakudze to appear in court on July 30, 2021, pending trial on September
25, 2021. Fakudze had a verbal showdown with a police officer while on his way
to a police van.
Started
It all started after he accused the officer of the law of ill-treating him.
Fakudze also accused the police officer of not affording him an opportunity to
call his relatives after he was granted bail. His lawyer had to intervene when
the officer of the law instructed Fakudze to board the police van during the
course of the argument.