Times of Eswatini

Arrest warrant sign of weakness, failure to lead - Mazibuko

- Sicelo Maziya

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MThe warrant of arrest issued against the Police Staff Associatio­n Secretary-General has seen women activists and students union come together.

President of Ngwane National Liberatory Congress Sibongile Mazibuko said the warrant of arrest issued against Secretary General (SG) Dumsile Khumalo was simply a sign of weakness in the leadership.

She said whoever was responsibl­e for the issuance of the warrant of arrest exhibited poor leadership skills.

Mazibuko said that person must understand that the decision is viewed differentl­y by the masses, not as masculinit­y, but as a leader who wanted to lead through the barrel of a gun.

“This was a sign of weakness to lead and want to manage the office using the State resources as protection to occupy the office,” said Mazibuko.

She also said the reasoning behind stopping peaceful marches

Ngwane National Liberatory Congress President Sibongile Mazibuko. Swaziland National Union of Students President Colani Maseko and National Commission­er of Police William Tsitsibala Dlamini.

remains unjustifie­d.

Mazibuko said there was no need to stop the police from going to their prime minister to lodge their grievances or get a response on same.

She said that also goes for those who want to voice their concerns on societal challenges to the head of government.

Mazibuko said the arrest of the junior police officers’ secretary general was a symbol of leader.

“The secretary was sent by her bosses who in this case are the junior police officers, what she was doing was part of the mandate she was given by her colleagues,” said Mazibuko.

Meanwhile, despite the clear disagreeme­nt that currently exists between students and police over tactics of dispersing them a confused during protest actions, students support the police demand for decent pay.

The Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) President Colani Maseko said they were in support with their call for better pay.

“We stand with them as they fight for better wages,” said Maseko.

He also invited the police to join the call for a democratic Eswatini as well. He said by joining the call they should never assault, arrest, intimidate, kill or torture those calling for a better Eswatini.

However, Maseko said he hopes junior officers have learnt that everyone has a right to march without being harassed and intimidate­d.

“The same government that they are defending is now showing them the middle finger by allowing them to live in extreme poverty,” said Maseko.

He said this should be an eye-opener that only a democratic government will address issues of the ordinary liSwati, including the police.

Meanwhile, the confrontat­ion between junior officers and senior officers has created animosity.

The junior officers disclosed that the police organisati­on has created the divide and rule through the pay scale.

“We are tired of being the useless people who get nothing but are made human shields in the political situation in the country,” said one officer.

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