I was aware of pending arson attack - Zwemart
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LAMGABHI – “I’m not surprised as I was aware of the pending bombing threat to my property,” these were the words of Zweli Martin Dlamini.
The Swaziland News Editor, Zweli, who has recently been labelled as a terrorist on Thursday night had his property petrol-bombed.
The petrol bomb was alleged to have been thrown in the window from the rear side of his rondavel at LaMgabhi eTiyeni.
The bombers are alleged to have gained access to the home by cutting through a fence on the south side of the property.
Dlamini said he had been made aware of the plot and continuously shared his gathered intelligence and audio files of the plots on his Facebook page.
He said for that reason he decided to ensure that his valuables within the property were removed for safety reasons.
“For now I am not aware of the value of the damages as I am yet to ascertain from my brother as he was the one who stays there,” said Zweli.
When asked about the escalation of bombings and the security of the populace, he said the country’s authorities have to ensure that the nation is secured.
“It is the role of the State to provide adequate security for the people who are taxpayers,” said the editor.
He further said those who came out and declared that they were training people for that purpose must also face the wrath.
He said he was assessing the situation and vowed that he will need to face them if they are linked to what has happened to his home.
Ordeal
Zweli’s brother, narrating their ordeal said the assailants arrived at the house at around 10pm. He said they were not yet asleep when the arsonist petrol-bombed the house.
“My two-year-old child was still awake, as she is still a hyperactive child learning to talk we had to engage her as she wanted attention,” said Zweli’s brother, Zama.
He said while entertaining the child, they heard loud noises which came from the lounge room of the rondavel.
Zama, said at first he thought he was mistaken only to have his nostrils engulfed by a foul smell which seemed to spread across the house.
“I took some time contemplating what it could be and when I eventually moved to view what was happening fire was consuming the curtains,” he said.
Zama further disclosed that at the time he checked through the window and saw a Blue VW Golf GTI with an enhanced sound speed off towards the direction of the road to Gobholo.
He said it was at around 10pm.
Comforting
Two of Zweli’s aunts who asked to remain anonymous were found inspecting the damage and comforting their relatives.
They said the situation had become tense as even a minor aged two years had to endure such a traumatic experience.
They further disclosed that they were lucky that the car Toyota sedan car was saved because it was parked at the main home.
“We have been reading in the
news about the bombings in other areas, now this has come to our doorsteps,” said one of the aunts.
They claim their niece had been trying to make ends meet as a journalist and that should not lead to such fights.
“It is not worth it for the nation to live in such fear, homes should be a safe place to be, especially in the rural areas,” said one of the aunts.
Pleaded
She further pleaded that the whole country needs nothing but peace to prevail.
“Eswatini is unique as communities resolve issues through restorative justice,” said the other aunt.
She said when resolving issues of differing factions, they are each called to account for their case, and solutions to challenges were derived through both parties’ participation.
The country must emulate restorative justice in all of the challenges we are currently facing as a nation.