Search This Blog

Wednesday 13 April 2011

POLICE AND TEACHERS IN STAND-OFF

Eyewitness News


13 April 2011


6pm local time (16.00 GMT)


SOURCE


Swazi police and union members in tense standoff


A tense standoff developed in Manzini between members of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) and riot police on Wednesday afternoon.

Armed riot police and military personnel were deployed to the streets of the commercial capital after a second day of anti-government protests. Demonstrators are calling for King Mswati III to step down and for democratic parliamentary reforms.

Police were deployed to the SNAT compound shortly after 4pm on Wednesday. Armed police officials were lined up outside the compound where union officials gathered to discuss whether the industrial action will continue.

Riot police fired tear gas at protesting union members outside the building earlier on Wednesday afternoon. Three police nyala’s were also deployed to the scene.

Residents of Manzini said they were scared of protesting as officials continued their crackdown. Several arrests were also reported as government officials tried to crush any dissent.

No comments: