COPS SET UP CAMP AT MACETJENI

SITEKI – With the feud still not over at Macetjeni Umphakatsi, police from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) have set up camp at the chiefdom.

Two months ago, a dispute ensued at the chiefdom over the land where the new umphakatsi under Chief Mshengu is being built.  The police were deployed and they have been conducting routine patrols during the day and at night. This has been changed as security measures were last week enforced as the umphakatsi’s regiments’ huts (tihonco) are still being constructed, hence the permanent deployment of the police at the chiefdom. The infighting between members of the umphakatsi household stemmed from the land where the umphakatsi is being built.

Macetjeni Indvuna Sipho Mamba confirmed the latest developments, mentioning that with the regiments’ huts still being constructed, the police were ordered to permanently camp at the chiefdom to monitor the situation.
“When the infighting started, the police were deployed and conducted routine patrols during the day and night to maintain peace and order while work on the building of the new umphakatsi continues. They have permanently set up camp at the umphakatsi and the regiments’ huts are expected to be completed next month,” Mamba said.

When asked if there were any fights that erupted recently, Mamba said the presence of the police had ensured that order and peace prevailed at the umphakatsi while work continued. “The presence of the police has brought order as things are normal and we continue to do our work without any disturbances. We will await the final order from the Ludzidzini Royal Council as they have to issue a ruling on this matter,” the indvuna said.
Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze said the matter was reported to the council and highlighted that the police presence was to maintain peace and order. “We know the matter and the police are there to diffuse any violent acts that might take place,” he said.

Volatile

Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said police would always maintain peace and order where there was a volatile situation. “We don’t discuss security operations as that information is classified,” she said when asked about the OSSU officers who had set up a camp at the Macetjeni umphakatsi. Last month, three sons born by Inkhosikati laFakudze from the late Chief, Prince Maguga, namely Mnakwa, Mbuso, Mabutfo and Bongani, appeared at the Siphofaneni Magistrates Court charged with assault.

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