We were shot while collecting shells - protester

M– Another public transport worker, who was shot, Nkosinathi Bhembe said he was also by the corner of Shoprite Supermarket, opposite Mozambique Hotel, when he was shot in the right leg (muscle), allegedly by members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).

According to Bhembe, who was shot once in the left leg (muscle), the military men allegedly shot him after they had returned to Pep Store and Manhattan Store. He said there were people who were collecting the bullet shells which fell on the ground when the soldiers allegedly fired a hail of bullet at them.

He said when they ran away; he lost his strength and fell on the ground. He said he then witnessed some of his colleague taking him into a Toyota Quantum which operates between Manzini and Ngwane Park. He said when he was in the quantum, and he found himself together with Mashaba in the kombi.

At the hospital, he said the medical practitioners told him that the scan results suggest that the bone was not affected. However, he said when he tries to walk, the pain he felt, suggested otherwise. He said as such, he said the medical practitioners said they would do more tests and scans as they continue treating him.

He said at least four bullets were removed from Mashaba and only one was removed from him.

Regarding his family, he said he was taking care of his two children (aged nine months and two years) and their mother. He said he was also responsible to three of his sisters. Therefore, as he was admitted in hospital, his children were struggling. “As we speak, their mother was here

Nkosinathi Bhembe who was shot in the right leg (muscle). (courtesy pic)

to tell me that they are struggling and I gave her the little money that was donated by our colleague because I get some food from those who visit us,” he said.

On the other hand, the UEDF Public Affairs Officer 2nd Lieutenant, Tengetile Khumalo, said her office had not received any report about the incident. “My office has no record of the alleged operational report. One would have to be furnished with a detailed report so as to ascertain the facts with regards to the allegations before responding,” she said.