NO MARTIAL LAW DECLARED - ACTING PM

MBABANE – No martial law has been declared in the country.

This was said by the Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, during a press conference held at Cabinet Offices yesterday at 3:45pm. Martial law is the temporary imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or suspension of civil law by a government, especially in response to a temporary emergency where civil forces are overwhelmed, or in an occupied territory. Masuku said government had tightened security to reclaim the rule of law, peace and to protect all emaSwati. He said they had to call in the army to protect critical national infrastructure and to enforce COVID-19 regulations. He said the army was simply in place to guard property to avoid further destruction in the country.

He urged the people to listen to the proper government communication channels because there were too many fake stories being circulated, particularly on social media, and international media which he also asked the local media to report on truthfully. “The current riots are also a violation of the COVID-19 regulations that are in place to save lives against the deadly virus,” he said. Masuku said the riots had degenerated into criminality and were infringing on many basic and social rights of emaSwati, including but not limited to food security, safety, health care and business. Masuku stated that the damage to property that had occurred did not only affect livelihoods, but it further put the kingdom’s efforts to mitigate and minimise the economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in jeopardy.

“The property and infrastructure that has been destroyed is the bedrock of any thriving and sustainable economy,” he said. The acting PM appealed to people to refrain from looting and damaging infrastructure. “We will continue not to tolerate the looting, arson, violence and all other forms of criminality that were directed at business and people’s property,” he said. The acting PM further asked emaSwati not to take the law into their own hands as this could lead to further escalation. “The public and media is also urged to be wary of unverified and inaccurate information as this is fuelled by forces that are determined to push through their agenda by all means necessary,” he said. He said the army had been asked to assist as the police had other duties. Meanwhile, Masuku was accompanied by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Pholile Shakantu.  

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: