SEA RITUALS: PERMIT OR E40 000 FINE FOR JERICHOS

Local Jerichos in the Indian Ocean during one of their cleansing ceremonies in this file photo. However, this is not to suggest that the people in the picture are the ones referred to in the article.

MBABANE – Members of the Jericho Red Gown Sect who annually go to South Africa to perform rituals and christening of their members at sea now face a fine not exceeding E40 000 if they venture into the water without a permit.

This comes after the implementation of the recently gazetted Nuisance and Behaviour in Public Places by-laws in South Africa. Local Jericho members have been frequenting South African seashores to perform their rituals. The by-laws, which were recently promulgated and will come into effect later this year, control conduct or behaviour that causes or is likely to cause discomfort, annoyance or inconvenience to the public and to prevent it from occurring.

“The public will not be allowed to bath or wash in public unless it is part of a religious or cultural ceremony and permission has been sought. Any person convicted of an offence under this by-law is liable to a fine not exceeding E40 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both.

“In the case of continued offence, an additional fine of an amount not exceeding E200 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 days, for each day on which the offence continues, will be imposed,” reads the by-law in part. Leaders of the local Jericho sects could not be reached for comment yesterday. Bishop Khanyakwezwe Vilakati, shortly after this reporter called and introduced himself and informed him of the by-laws soon to come to practice in the republic switched his phone off.

An attempt to call him again proved futile as his cellphone rang unanswered until the time of compiling this report. His brother, Bhekibandla, who also leads his congregants to South African shores, could not be reached as his cellphone rang unanswered until the time of compiling this report. The implemented by-laws prohibit the abusive, threatening or foul language or obscene gestures exhibited in public. Any member of the public caught spitting; performing any sexual act, appearing in the nude or exposing genitalia will also face prosecution.

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