Some army aspirants threaten bucopho
LAVUMISA – There was drama at Somntongo Constituency as some youth threatened bucopho who denied knowledge of some residents under his chiefdom.
This happened yesterday when the bucopho of Phangweni Chiefdom, Philemon Matse, denied knowledge of some residents before and after the 3.2km race.
It is worth noting that over 20 people had to be removed from the queues as they had chief codes which were not from any of the constituencies. However, among them was a young man, Mangaliso Masuku, who had the chief code of one of the chiefdoms but was chucked out by Matse.
Behind
It was said that Matse told Masuku that he did not know him regardless of the chief code. This transpired before the aspiring soldiers went to run and he had to be left behind.
After the exercise was finished and winners announced, Masuku’s uncle, who was seething with anger, confronted Matse who he called using derogatory words following the incident.
He went on to question why he was fighting community battles using his powers.
Denied
“You literally denied him a lifetime opportunity and I hope you are happy about that. How can you do this to a double orphan?” the uncle askedMatse.
It was a different case for one Lungelo Gamedze, a soldier’s child who was disqualified, having come out third in the race. Lungile started running without a mark at the starting point because the same bucopho denied knowledge of him as his chief code was from Lubulini. It was said by his aunt Hlengiwe Gamedze that Lungelo’s father was from the area and was known to the but they wondered why he denied him the chance to participate. According to Hlengiwe, Lungelo had an identity card which he applied for last month with the assistance of his mother, which was how it ended with a Lubulini chief code, where his mother was from.
“More than anything, what comes as a shock is that the bucopho is our neighbour and he knows Lungelo,” she said. Lungelo was eventually disqualified and replaced by a reserve.
It is worth noting that Lungelo’s father made several calls, trying to get justice for his son as he believed his son stood a chance. One of the calls he made was to the indvuna whom he had a lengthy conversation with and requested that he address the matter.
As the soldiers called the leaders before announcing the results, it was established that the matter was discussed. After the six winners were announced, all the aggrieved individuals tried to speak to the army recruitment team. After the discussion, Hlengiwe told this reporter that she was not pleased with the outcome of the discussion they had with the officials.
She said she did not know how she would deal with the matter but she strongly believed there was unfairness. Hlengiwe confirmed that Lungelo’s father was with the army and that he made several calls trying to find solutions to the matter.
“The bucopho knows the situation at home and he knows this was going to change everything,” said a tearyeyed Hlengiwe.
Matse did not want to talk to this reporter as he drove off and left the constituency centre. He also did not answer calls when called later.
Meanwhile, Somntongo Member of Parliament Dumisani Mbhamali said the only role he could play at that point was to be a mediator between the affected parties and the bucopho. He noted that there were challenges raised by the people involving the bucopho.
“I will find ways of dealing with the matter,” he said. He further congratulated those who won in the constituency.