COPS STOP BEGINNING OF YEAR SERVICE FOR 40 CHURCHES

MOTSHANE – Christians from close to 40 churches around Nduma Royal Kraal were prevented from attending a church service to mark the beginning of the year.

This follows information gathered by the police that there was a move by members of political formations to hijack the gathering. Information gathered from reliable sources was that there was allegedly no court order to stop the prayer service. At around 9am, two police officers manned the junction towards the royal kraal, where they stopped all vehicles and questioned those on board about where they were headed. This reporter was also stopped and a press card was demanded before being released to proceed to the royal kraal. Upon arrival at the royal kraal, there were two police vans and bantfwabenkhosi bakaShongwe and organisers of the church service, who gathered outside the royal kraal.

Watching

Princess Salaphi was seated on the stoep of one of the rondavels in the royal kraal, following what was happening. At around 10am, more Christians had parked their cars next to the road after being stopped by the police. They gathered in groups pondering on their next move. Among those who were stopped from proceeding to the royal kraal were those who were carrying equipment such as a tent and musical instruments. Mbabane Police Station Commander Sabelo Dlamini and Hhohho Regional Commissioner Simangele Motsa, in the company of over 20 police officers, were also present. Some police officers stood at the entrance of the royal kraal next to the main road, stopping the Christians from entering. Other police officers parked outside the royal kraal where they were observing the situation. 

The turn of events came after a postponement of the same service last week as an announcement for the Buganu Ceremony had been made and the events could not coincide. Speaking on behalf of bantfwabenkhosi baseNduma, Mike Shongwe said they were shocked by the turn of events. Shongwe said the police had told them that they had received information to the effect that a PUDEMO rally would be held, hence they were present to ensure that it did not go ahead. Despite having explained that it was not a rally, but a church service to mark the beginning of the year, the police heard none of it. He said the necessary steps were taken to hold the service, including reporting to ndabazabantu (King’s liaison officer) as is the case where there is no chief. “Ndabazabantu made the announcement which has been running for almost a week,” Shongwe said.

According to Shongwe, ndabazabantu briefed the Hhohho regional administrator (RA) that the royal kraal was requesting to hold the service to mark the beginning of the year.  He stated that after being approached by police last week, when it was assumed the service would be held, they went to Ludzidzini Council led by Chief Mdlaka. “Chief Mdlaka told us he had no idea about the issue of the police being deployed to stop the service and the only matter on the table pertaining to Nduma Royal Kraal was that they needed to appear before the His Majesty on the installation of a chief.” Shongwe said the administration of Nduma Royal Kraal was handled by bantfwabenkhosi bakaShongwe, in terms of an order issued by a joint sitting of Liqoqo and Ludzidzini advisory councils. He said the King gave a directive, through the Liqoqo and Ludzidzini advisory councils, that all administrative issues should be handled by bantfwabenkhosi baseNduma.

Explain

According to Shongwe, efforts to get Acting NATCOM Lydia Dlamini to explain where the order to stop the service came from proved futile as she did not pick up his calls.  “I wanted to know who issued the directive,” he said. He said there was someone who was controlling the situation and making sure they were destroying everything. This, he stated, painted a bad picture of the traditional authorities in the land. Shongwe mentioned that they were planning to go and report directly to the King about the obtaining situation at the royal kraal. He said they needed to report that there was no order at Nduma due to some individuals. “As it stands, we need to convene a meeting and inform the people of what is unfolding here,” said Shongwe.

Princess Salaphi, who is an elder at the royal kraal, who was believed by some to be allegedly behind the stopping of the Christians from attending the church service, distanced herself from the allegations. The princess stated that she did not chase away anyone and could not comment further on the matter. Organising Chairperson for Nduma Churches Joseph Mabuza said members from 40 various churches under the Nduma Royal Kraal had to be turned back as a result. Mabuza said there was nothing they could have done but heed the police’s command. He said they were aware that the order was coming from one person at the royal kraal as bantfwabenkhosi whom they reported to had supported the idea of the church service.

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