MANZINI: Police allegedly shot a protestor in the eye during a protest against police brutality on Monday, police later refused to allow leaders of the Swaziland National Students Union(SNUS) entry at the Releigh Fitkin Hospital(RFM).
This was during a protest march organised by University of Eswatini(UNESWA) students to demand justice for Thabani Nkomonye who was allegedly shot and killed by the police, his body was dumped at Nhlambeni, the protest was attended by hundreds of students and general members of the public.
Reached for comments, Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students(SNUS) confirmed that a protestor was shot in the eye during the student march and that others are currently missing. The Student President said they went to RFM Hospital to check on the student who was allegedly shot by the police and reportedly admitted at the Intensive Care Unit(ICU), however, they found over fifteen(15) armed police officers who denied them entry.
“We can confirm that a protestor was shot in the eye by the police, other students were also shot and are currently missing. As we speak, we are at the RFM hospital to check on the one who was shot in the eye but armed police officers from OSSU are denying us entry” ,said the President when interviewed by this publication.
A questionnaire was sent to Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, however she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is ruled by King Mswati who normally deploys police officers to brutally assault protestors, some are jailed or even killed.
On Monday,a protest against police brutality started and gained momentum at the Matsapha Police Station where the students went to deliver a petition demanding justice for Thabani Nkomonye and other citizens who died at the hands of the police. The protestors proceeded to Manzini to join another protest organised by the Swaziland United Democratic Front(SUDF) that was also demanding an end of police brutality. The protest was also joined by the Swaziland Rural Women Assembly(SRWA) and One Billion Rising, which are women rights organizations.

Protest march demanding justice for Thabani Nkomonye