Politics

MADLANGAMPISI – A Member of Parliament (MP) has been drawn into a controversy involving an indvuna, a firearm and a public apology — followed by an unexpected denial.

The unfolding drama is said to have happened around Mavula chiefdom under Madlangampisi Inkhundla. Among some of the residents, it has raised questions about accountability, authority and the role of traditional structures in national politics.

Allen Vilane, the elected MP for Madlangampisi, recently apologised before Chief Ndlaluhlaza, who is recognised as King of the Ndwandwe clan, following an alleged altercation with local indvuna Ndwi Magagula. Chief Ndlaluhlaza is also the Minister for Public Works and Transport.

The alleged brandishing of the gun is said to have taken place amid a disagreement reportedly linked to a land matter.

It is alleged that during the dispute, the MP discharged a firearm near the indvuna’s head, although the shot was not directed at him. This is said to have happened during an altercation. The MP is said to have visited the Mavula umphakatsi — a traditional authority centre — about a week ago, where he issued an apology in the presence of Chief Ndlaluhlaza.

In a recorded statement shared with Eswatini News,Vilane began by stressing his respect for the chief, whom he referred to repeatedly as ‘my King’.

“I am very sorry,” he stated, without directly referencing the incident. Instead, he framed the apology as an effort to restore working relations with his indvuna. “How can we work if the situation is like this?” he asked, alluding to the strained relationship between the two men.

In the audio,Vilane went on to say that he frequently collaborates with his indvuna in constituency matters and implied that the recent dispute had disrupted this working relationship.

While discussing events surrounding the incident, he mentioned calling the chief at one point and receiving guidance on what to do next. He claimed to have followed this advice.

He then stated that he contacted the local station commander to get the issue at hand sorted. He also said he had sent someone to follow up on the matter, but days passed without progress.

In his apology, Vilane urged respect for one another’s roles and authority. “If emaSwati respected each other’s, the country would develop,” he said.

Full details in today’s paper.

Chief Ndlaluhlaza of the Ndwandwe clan. (Courtesy pics)