MUZI MHLANGA DEMANDS E1 MILLION FOR HIS TOOTH

MBABANE – Former SNAT Secretary General Muzi Mhlanga is demanding a sum of E1 million from government after losing a tooth during an alleged assaulted by police.

The incident allegedly happened on March 14, 2015 near the SNAT Building opposite the William Pitcher College in Manzini, during a TUCOSWA meeting.  The police were there to maintain peace and order. In his particulars of claim, Mhlanga, who still spots a gap in his front teeth, submitted that he was assaulted by 10 police officers who were allegedly led by one Thembinkosi Mngometulu. Mhlanga alleged that he was hit with fists and open hands all over his body, particularly on his face and chest. He informed the court that he was further kicked in the mouth, allegedly by Mngometulu, and one of his teeth got damaged. The former secretary general told the court that he was assaulted in full view of members of the public and senior police officers allegedly did not rescue him despite that he was bleeding.

Mhlanga, who is represented by Sabelo Mngomezulu of Mngomezulu Attorneys, submitted that he was attended to by Dr Ntiwane and the damaged tooth was extracted. According to Mhlanga, when the police allegedly attacked him, they were acting within the course and scope of their employment with government.  He was the substantive secretary general of SNAT when the incident occurred. As a result of the assault, Mhlanga said he received medical treatment at Mbabane Clinic. He stated that he was unable to work for a period of two weeks since his face was swollen. He told the court that during this period, he suffered loss of income. Mhlanga further said as a direct consequence of the alleged unlawful assault by the police, he suffered damages in the sum of E1 000 000, which government failed to pay him despite making a demand. “Notwithstanding statutory demand, the first defendant (commissioner of police) fails and or /refuses to pay the aforesaid amount or any reasonable portion thereof, which amount is now due, owing and payable,” he said.

The police denied assaulting Mhlanga. In its plea, government submitted that the police preserved peace and order during the meeting. “It is inconceivable that the police could simply assault the plaintiff (Mhlanga) without justifiable course. If there is any tooth gap the plaintiff has, it was not occasioned by any assault by the police,” submitted government. The matter, which was heard by Judge Nkululeko Hlophe, was postponed to August 20 – 21 after the Crown informed the court that certain dockets in relation to the matter went missing. Ndabenhle Dlamini and Nhlanhla Dlamini appear for the Crown.

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