‘WESLIANS’ BLAME POLICE FOR NHLANGANO DISASTER

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers feel police should have reacted better to Sunday’s skirmish at King Sobhuza Stadium in Nhlangano.

Officers from the Operational Support Service Unit (OSSU) used stun grenades to disperse some Wanderers fans who were allegedly causing an uproar at the venue after the 1-2 loss to Royal Leopard. During the skirmish, Manzini Wanderers CEO Pat Mahlalela’s car got damaged.

Mahlalela, in an interview yesterday, said he was taken aback by the reaction of the police, stressing that as far as he was concerned, the situation at the venue did not warrant the use of the stun grenades.
“I was disappointed by the reaction of the police. I opted to report the OSSU officers to the nearest police station (Nhlangano) because I felt their action was not justified.
“The incident left unanswered questions about our safety at stadia,” stressed Mahlalela.

However, Mahlalela was quick to highlight that the team never tolerated wayward behaviour at stadiums.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said from what her office gathered was that a fight broke out and the safety of the team’s management was compromised and there was an urgent need to disperse the fans who were allegedly causing the brawl.

“We’re professionals and we know how to react in each situation. We can never fire stun grenades at cars.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, but there is an inquiry and then we will take it from there,” she said.

If reports suggesting that Wanderers fans were allegedly attempting to assault others at the stadia, the move could attract a maximum E30 000 fine if charged by the Premier League of Eswatini. Such a conduct is in violation of Article 7. 1 (b) of the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: