The assault followed a protest action in Zombodze Emuva in the Shiselweni region, Swaziland, also known as Eswatini. During the protest, burning tyres had been placed on the road. The soldiers picked on Mamba, without any evidence as to his involvement in the burning and forced him into the fire.
The soldiers also assaulted two others who were closer to the protest action but did not push them into the fire.
The soldiers would also verbally abuse Mamba as they ordered him to put out the fire with his bare hands.
Consequently, Mcebo Mamba suffered severe burns in different parts of his body. He was later admitted at the Nhlangano Health Centre for treatment.
Both the royal police and army have tried unsuccessfully to conceal the attack as it occurred in full view of the public.
The grievous assault on Mcebo Mamba follows reports, now confirmed by a police officer who has since resigned from the force, that Mswati’s military personnel threw some protesters into a raging fire during the 29 June protests in Matsapha.
Since the June protests, Mswati’s security forces have killed over 70 people and brutally assaulted hundreds. Over 600 have been arrested in the past three months for calling for democracy.
Condemning the latest assault, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) Thokozane Kunene said, “Mswati has deepened the state of emergency. His soldiers have been given unlimited powers to assault the population without any form of accountability. The people have to unite in the fight for total democracy.”
The CPS, through its “Democracy Now” campaign which has been running since 2019, has now been embraced by the populace. The Mswati autocracy is now on the backfoot and failing to prevent its ultimate defeat.
The CPS urges the people of Swaziland to unite in the fight for democracy. The CPS also calls for sustained international solidarity with the oppressed masses.
Contacts:
Thokozane Kenneth Kunene
General Secretary
(+27)72 594 3971
Pius Vilakati
International Secretary
(+27)81 353 3383
Email: cpswa.org@gmail.com
Facebook: Communist Party Of Swaziland – CPS
Twitter: @CPSwaziland.
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