Africa-Press – Eswatini. Four Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows players are lucky to be alive after they were attacked and badly injured by a gang of robbers on Sunday night.
The players were also robbed of their cellphones on their way to the team’s rented flat at Msunduza after their game against Nsingizini Hotspurs at King Sobhuza II Stadium where they won 2-1.
One of the players reportedly fought off the gang that was wielding knives.
The players are known to this publication but their names will not be revealed for ethical reasons.
A source close to the matter revealed that the players were walking to their rented flat when the incident occurred.
He said the team’s players were staying in groups at different places (Mbabane, Manzini and Pigg’s Peak).
“The players, who stay in Mbabane, were attacked after they were dropped off at Msunduza after the game. They were walking to the rented flat when a group of thugs carrying bush-knives and knives approached them and demanded their personal belongings.” The source said the four players (all Emaswati) were lucky to be alive after they were beaten and robbed.
“The players were badly injured during the attack. One of them (players) was brave enough as he fought off the robbers to save his teammates. He was also injured but he managed to fight off the robbers and they eventually walked away with two cellphones after tearing their the players’ pockets with the knives.” The source said they wondered where the player got the courage to fight the robbers.
“Had it not been for his courage and bravery, I do not know what would have happened to the other players.”
He said the players managed to get transport to hospital after the thugs fled the scene.
“Two of the players were badly injured while the others were treated and discharged on the same day. The others were discharged the following day.”
Black Swallows Operations Manager Busta Vilakati confirmed the incident. “I can confirm that the players are badly injured after they were attacked on Sunday night. They were also robbed two of their cellphones. They manage to go to hospital where they were treated. Two of them are badly injured. We have been in contact with all of them.’’
Vilakati said they had also visited to visit the players’ homesteads to explain what happened to their parents. “The players are still shocked after what happened. We wish them a speedy recovery. We will monitor them closely as a team. This was a very unfortunate incident.”
He said the players reported the matter to the police.
Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the matter.
“It was reported that the robbers attacked and robbed the said players on Sunday night. There have been no arrests so far and the police are still investigating the incident,’’ Supt Vilakati said.
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