A journalist in Swaziland
/eSwatini needed hospital treatment after he was beaten by family members of a
prominent bishop in the kingdom. Zwelethu Dlamini had been following up a story that Bishop
Bheki
Lukhele was having sexual relations with a schoolgirl.
Dlamini works for the Swazi Observer newspaper. The Sunday
edition of the Observer reported
(28 April 2019), ‘The incident,
which occurred in the Lubombo region, saw one member of the news team rushed to
the hospital after he was clobbered by three sets of different mobs which left
a company vehicle dented by clubs and a broken windshield from a flying
missile.’ The newspaper said those involved in the attack included some of the
bishop’s in-laws.
The Observer said it was investigation allegations that Lukhele,
‘had sexual relations with a Form Two pupil who
ultimately dropped out after falling pregnant’. She is thought to be 21 years
old.
Lukhele, founder and leader in the All Nations
Christian Church in Zion, reportedly intended to marry her. According
to the Observer, Lukhele, ‘is known to enjoy a polygamous
lifestyle’.
Journalists in Swaziland often face physical attacks when
reporting. In September 2018, Mduduzi Mngomezulu, a photojournalist with the Swazi Observer, was
manhandled and assaulted by teachers as he took photographs
at a protest. He was hit with open hands and fists and sustained injuries on
the face and body.
Also in September 2018, police
attacked a Times of Swaziland
journalist Andile Nsibande who was photographing them during a
workers’ dispute where they fired shots. Police officers demanded that Nsibande
delete pictures he had taken and then beat up the defenceless journalist. He
was taken to hospital where he received treatment.
In February 2018, a photojournalist with the Swazi
Observer was
attacked after he took pictures of a convoy of overcrowded
vehicles transporting prison wardens.
Another photojournalist with the Sunday Observer was
attacked in July 2018 after he took pictures of government vehicles parked
outside a deputy prime minister’s office. Police forced the
photojournalist to delete pictures he had taken.
See also
Swaziland
Police beat-up journalist photographing them attacking, shooting at textile
workers
Journalists
‘scared to do their jobs’
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