• Breaking News – PROVIDENT FUND BOARD CHAIRPERSON MDUDUZI GINA:We are consulting on Labour Minister’s letter.
Swaziland News Logo

Pro-democracy MPs donate E10,000.00 to family of KaMkhweli resident who was killed by Mkhaya Rangers.

Saturday, 24th April, 2021

KAMKHWELI: Pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) donated E10,000.00 cash to the family of Daniel Gamedze who was shot and killed by Mkhaya Game Rangers.
The donation was made by Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, he announced it as a collective donation of the MPs who joined residents of KaMkhweli, Mahlabatsini Chiefdom under Siphofaneni Constituency to mourn the death of the resident.
“As MPs who had come to mourn with you, we are donating E10,000.00” said the Hosea MP.
It has been disclosed that police spies arrived in the early morning hours on Saturday to intimidate the family of the deceased before the arrival of the mourners.
Addressing residents of KaMkhweli, Mahlabatsini Chiefdom under Siphofaneni Inkhundla, the Hosea MP who openly declared in Parliament that he will advocate for democratic reforms said the time for silence in the midst of oppression was over, he further expressed serious concerns that police went as far as adding salt in the wound by threatening and intimidating a grieving family.
“It is very disappointing that police who are expected to protect the citizens and promote peace and stability threatened and intimidated the family. Poor citizens are forced to be silent and persecuted even when they are in pain, police are protecting the rich and powerful. But I would like to state clear that I was elected not to represent the people of Hosea only but the whole Nation,the time for silence is over. The police spies who are hiding in that car can record what we are saying and prepare charges if they want”, said the Hosea MP.
The mourning was also attended by trade unionists that include Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT) among others.
A questionnaire was sent to Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the eSwatini police Spokesperson, however,she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Addressing the mourners, Mduduzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane, the host MP for the area said Swazis should never be afraid to speak out in the midst of persecution.
“As Swazis, the day we start realizing our rights to speak freely and express ourselves, is the day we will start enjoying life. We were taught to be silent at a young age kutsiwa ubobindza, we are intimidated everywhere at Umphakatsi, school, Government offices such that we were even getting used that being silent is a normal life”, said the Siphofaneni MP.
Bhekitje Dlamini, the Sithobelweni Member of Parliament(MP) said the death of the KaMkhweli resident who was shot and killed by the Rangers touched and reminded him of his brother who was killed by the police.
“When my colleague,the Siphofaneni MP told me about this incident, it touched and reminded me of my brother who was taken for questioning by the police, three hours later, they came back with a report that he has been shot and killed. As MPs, we have come here to comfort you, it's unfortunate that in this country of our forefathers, we are being killed”, said the Sithobelweni MP.
Daniel Gamedze, the KaMkweli resident who was shot and killed by Mkhaya Game Rangers after suspecting him of being a poacher hunter, will be buried on Sunday at his home, Mahlabatsini Chiefdom.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa and ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch has been wisely criticised by international organisations including Amnesty International for gross violation of fundamental human rights, citizens are killed by the police for exercising their Constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, political affiliation, and expressing themselves on issues affecting their welfare.
Pro-democracy MPs donate E10,000.00 to family of KaMkhweli resident who was killed by Mkhaya Rangers.
Mourners at KaMkhweli Mahlabatsini