Africa-Press – Eswatini. ‘Parliament’.
This is a name a gang of robbers has dubbed themselves around Sidwashini under Ntfonjeni Constituency. Sidwashini is also the same area where a man was allegedly stabbed during the secondary elections at a polling station. The gang is said to be causing terror among residents, especially those returning to their homes in the evening, which is with they operate. Residents are increasingly concerned for their safety with reports of frequent robberies, resulting in the loss of valuable items such as cellphones and cash. Noteworthy, the word parliament is a legislative body that represents the people and makes decisions on their behalf. However, unlike the ‘Parliament gang’, it does not go around assaulting and robbing people.
The six-member gang has inflicted physical and emotional harm on innocent victims, living in the Sidwashini area. Recent incidents include the assault of a 12-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries all over his body including damage to one of his ears resulting in hearing difficulties. The distressed mother of the young victim painfully recounted her child’s ordeal demanding fast justice for his suffering.
“We are still waiting for the police to come take these people away but up to now, no action has been taken,” stated the mother when she was reached for comment on Thursday. In another disturbing incident, a teacher was also reportedly assaulted by the gang. This was after he was found waiting at a bus stop. These distressing acts of violence have further exacerbated the fear and vulnerability felt by residents.
The residents are now calling for action against the gang and are threatening that they will be forced to take action. Outrage by the residents is worsening as they accuse the local Pigg’s Peak Police Station of inaction, despite numerous reports made regarding the activities of the gang.residents claim that their pleas for assistance have fallen on deaf ears. Frustrated by the lack of progress the residents issued an ultimatum to law enforcement, demanding the immediate arrest of the gang members. They said if their demands are not met the community warned that they would take matters into their own hands to protect themselves and their families.
Reasons
A resident who will not be mentioned for ethical reasons shared chilling accounts of how the gang brandishes weapons such as knives or even guns when committing the alleged crimes. This, the resident said is usually done to residents who show resistance when being robbed. In what was anticipated to be a crucial turning point in the fight against the gang, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was expected to visit Sidwashini on Wednesday morning to apprehend the alleged perpetrators. However, to the disappointment of the community, the police failed to appear, leaving residents disillusioned and desperate for a solution to their ongoing nightmare.
The escalating situation has prompted widespread concern with calls mounting for urgent intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected community. Local leaders community organisations and concerned citizens are urging authorities to take immediate action implement effective security measures and bring an end to the reign of terror inflicted to Sidwashini. As the beleaguered residents of Sidwashini wait in anticipation of justice, their daily lives are overshadowed by anxiety and fear. The burden of protecting their loved ones continues to weigh heavily on their shoulders, as the gang continues to strike with impunity, leaving an indelible mark on this once peaceful community.
On Monday, this publication also reported that a mob around the Herefords area was looking for two people who were accused of stabbing two men in a failed robbery attempt. The stabbed men were admitted to the Mkhuzweni Hospital last Friday and discharged on Saturday after the alleged stabbing. However, the men that were accused of stabbing them managed to escape, though residents are said to be searching for them. Chief Police and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati had also confirmed that two people were stabbed and that the alleged culprits who are said to have committed the incident were still on the run.
This publication further gathered that the third person had been admitted to hospital for treatment due to the injuries he sustained. Meanwhile, since the unrest, there has been an increased number of incidences of violence by mobs. This publication had reported at least four incidences, whereby members of the public attacked people suspected of crime.
Killed
The Times of Eswatini has reported on two people attacked and killed by a mob after they were suspected of being robbers. The incident happened at Lombhiwako around Nsingizini under the Hosea Constituency. A male and a female died due to injuries sustained during the assault. On the night of the incident, the deceased male, with five others is alleged to have gone to rob a certain man but he called for help. A brother of the man who called for help is then said to have arrived with a bush knife and found his brother being suffocated. He is then said to have hacked the intruder but later, a mob of about 150 people joined in. About six people including the woman who later died were assaulted by the mob while questioning them on the items they allegedly stole.
Also, later, Eswatini News reported that a man was also stabbed to death after he was attacked by angry residents fed up with crime in the area. This is said to have happened around Nginamadvolo.The deceased was allegedly fetched from his parental home and a few minutes later, he was stabbed to death. The deceased was also accused of having stolen some items including dagga but his parents disputed this allegation. The deceased is also said to have disputed this but despite doing so, he was stabbed to death.
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