UNRULY ARMY MUST BE BROUGHT TO ORDER

I was so irate, incensed and flabbergasted when I read the Times of Swaziland about the harassment of unimaginable proportion by the members of our army, who allegedly stripped and searched passengers who were travelling by a kombi from a vacation in Mozambique.

While writing this letter, I am so livid and I wonder if we still have Parliament in our shores. Why are our MPs quiet when the public is treated like thrash (imfucuta) by the unruly army?
We are all aware of how a proper search is conducted not in this embarrassing manner (Bekunene sonkhe siyakwati kusesha hhayi lomhlolo).  Even suspected terrorists are not subjected to such degrading and inhumane treatment under the convoluted claim that they are being searched.  This appalling treatment of ‘civilians’ by the army must be strongly condemned.

The army’s authorities need to start teaching their troops how to execute their duties effectively under the constitutional dispensation. This wayward behaviour will land the country in trouble and can have a potential to chase prospective investors.  The army must know that the international community read such stories and they really tarnish the image of the country. I am further disheartened that the army always gets away with all immoral deeds. The army public relation officer always justifies the inhumane acts by soldiers. He always utters gibberish to protect his wayward troops even when they are on the wrong side of the law. Even in this case the soldiers will escape scot free to continue their senseless acts.
What gets me hot under the collar is that the soldiers encroached on SRA responsibility in this issue. Only Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) not USDF is obligated to tax goods and search for contraband. The soldiers’ duty is to protect their country borders. I wonder who gave them the order to start body searching innocent people to a point of stripping them.
This just confirms the fact  that the army is out of hand and needs to be effectively controlled urgently. Yes the government is so fortunate to be ruling the most docile nation but at least we must be treated with dignity and respect.

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