POLICE WANT TO LEAVE LATE EX-PM, EX-DPM’S HOMES

MANZINI – The region’s police officers say they are tired of guarding the late former Prime Minister (PM) Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini’s residence at Ekukhanyeni.

The officers are also made to guard former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Paul Dlamini’s home at Lugaganeni.
Sibusiso’s home, which is being guarded by the police officers, is situated at Ekukhanyeni. The police officers alleged that while guarding the two homes, they were left to starve, as no food was provided for them.

Also, they were not provided with transport back to their respective places of abode by their superiors, when their shift ends. “We are forced to work double shifts. After guarding the homes, you are left there and when we enquire about transport, we are always informed that there is a shortage of vehicles. We are always picked up after about five hours, which is not fair because we are also expected to report again for the next shift,” a junior police officer, who preferred not to be named, said.

The officers said they felt they were made slaves by their superiors. They also stated that they feared for their lives, as one of the homes was seldom-occupied, which was that of the late former PM.

“There are no guard houses for us and we are not safe from thugs, especially during the night. We also get exposed to the cold or the scotching sun during the day. The homes are guarded day and night. We are also aware that we should not be guarding the two homes now as the people are no longer the country’s authorities. The REPS should ensure that set down procedures are met in such cases,” another officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

Livestock

Employees who look after livestock at the late ex-PM’s home confirmed that the former premier had not been visiting the place often before his demise. Even after his death, there was no activity at the place and some mourners were disappointed as they had assumed they would gather at the place to pass their condolences.

On another note the ex-DPM’s home is occupied by himself, his wife and other family members. Most of the officers stated that they had complained and enquired from their superiors about the situation, however, their grievances had fallen on deaf ears. “When we approach some of them, we are told that guarding the place is an order from government, as we were trained to face such intense situations. This is also abuse of government resources,” another officer said.

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