Probe into unrest deaths, injuries
MBABANE-The Human Rights Commission will soon embark on an investigation regarding the deaths and injuries which emanated from the recent political unrest across the country.
This was confirmed by the Human Rights and Intergrity Commission Chairman, Sabelo Masuku, yesterday.
Masuk us aid their investigations would start by visiting all the public and private health institutions, where the deceased and the casualties were registered upon arrival.
This, Masuku said, would guide the investigating team.
He mentioned that the investigations were aimed at ascertaining the truth of the matter following the contradicting statements from social media platforms, government as well as the mainstream media.
Protests
Social media reports and some individuals have alleged that more than 60 people were shot dead allegedly by members of the security forces during the recent protests which culminated in looting, vandalism and burning of properties across t he country. The report further claimed that over 200 people were injured in the process.
Others claim close to 100 people were killed but government had initially confirmed only 27 people.
Information gathered from some relatives was to the effect that some of the deceased were shot dead in full view of the public during the unrest. Those who claim to be eyewitnesses alleged that the victims were shot by uniformed members of the security forces, who were patrolling the country in foreign- registered double cab vehicles and Toyota Quantums.
Victims
It has been alleged that among the vi ct i ms s ome were not part of t he protests.
Minister of Information, Communi c a t i on a nd Technology Pri ncess Sikhanyiso claimed that mercenaries were responsible for killing the innocent souls.
However, government in its latest update confirmed 30 deaths. Also, the SADC Troika FactFinding Mission was told that some people were seen being thrown into fire.
“It is very important to have firsthand information as a country. We started by engaging the Ministry of Health, which is in charge of all health institutions in the country. We did this so that we could have easy access to all the necessary information,” he said. Masuku stated that their engagement with the ministry yielded fruitful results, as they were allowed to visit all the health institutions for verification purposes.
He stated that they were hoping to get all the necessary information that would connect them to the relatives of the deceased and the casualties.
Masuku said they were hoping to get assistance from the health institutions’ staff such as the receptionists, doctors as well as the pathologists who determined the cause of death to the victims brought to them.
He said they wanted to leave no stone unturned in order to get to the bottom of the matter.
“What needs to be understood is that we were not on the ground when it all happened hence the need for proper investigations. We have not reached a stage where we can say who was responsible for the deaths and casualties but we hope our investigations will bring everything to light,” he said.
Dr Vusi Magagula, the Director of Health Services, confirmed that the ministry was engaged by the commission concerning a proposed visit to the health institutions.
Magagula said the ministry opened its doors for the visit.