GOVT TAKES DRASTIC STEPS TO ENSURE SAFETY OF EMASWATI

MBABANE – In respect of the recent acts of violence, government has assured the nation that drastic and practical steps are being implemented by all the security forces to ensure the safety and protection of emaSwati across the country.

When addressing the media yesterday during a press conference, Acting Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, said the state of violence to which the country had been subjected, had also resulted in creating an environment for social aggression. Masuku noted the threats, violence and intimidation, that had been imposed by the random killings of state security officers in the country, the destruction of both business and private properties and of government structures which were meant for the people’s development.

Killed

He said the country was also witnessing an alarming rise in the number of people who were killed in drinking halls (bars) and other related social gatherings. The acting PM stated that government was mobilising all resources at its disposal to enable the security forces to perform their respective national duties to contain the scourge of violence and protect all emaSwati and their properties, as well as to safeguard the interests and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He encouraged and urged all emaSwati to be vigilant whenever there were individuals who may appear to be conducting themselves in a suspicious manner in their respective communities. “Nawe uliphoyisa,” he said.

He said, together, the nation could close the space for all kinds of criminal activities that flourished in their midst. “We further encourage the nation to report any suspicious activities that they notice around their surroundings and communities to the police through the emergency line 999/9999 or 112 National Disaster Management line,” he added. On this aspect, this publication asked Masuku if it served any purpose to report through these lines as the public often said police were not responding promptly when called and that some incidents were only attended to during the day.

In his response, Masuku said police would continue doing their job as they were professionals and were determined. He said it was unfortunate that the police service to the community was hindered by those shooting the law enforcers who were executing their duties. In his address, the acting PM further stated that government was pleased to inform the nation that the police were making progress in their investigations in respect of the recent acts of violence. Masuku further warned citizens to desist from accepting cash payments in exchange for committing heinous crimes, including murder and destruction of property. “Be aware that if it happens that you receive cash and fail to deliver on your promise, you might be the next victim in the hands of the killers,” said Masuku.

He then urged the nation to work together with government to create a peaceful environment that would be suitable for the nation to dialogue in a free manner and share ideas in terms of how best they could build a stable and prosperous country, which future generations shall be grateful to inherit. Masuku noted that convening a dialogue under the current situation would be impossible as whenever people made certain submissions, they were threatened with arson and death, if before and during the envisaged national dialogue they were found to be speaking against the stakeholders who were calling for change.

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