Police in Swaziland
(eSwatini) fired live ammunition and shot a university student with a rubber bullet
as class boycotts entered their
second day.
It was the latest police
shooting during legal protests in the kingdom ruled by absolute monarch King
Mswati III.
Students across the kingdom
are
angry that the government failed to keep its promise to pay them their
allowances for books, accommodation and other equipment.
The shooting happened at
the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in Manzini.
Armed police patrolled the
campus after students boycotted classes and set up a roadblock and started
fires near the university.
The SANU administration ordered
the university to be closed indefinitely and told students to vacate the
premises immediately.
That was when police moved
in, the Times of eSwatini reported. It
quoted sources saying, ‘That is where all hell broke loose and the students
clashed with the law enforcers who were trying to drive them out of the
institution.’
It added students lit a
fire on a public road. ‘As a result of the students’ behaviour, the police
fired several warning shots in the air and also used rubber bullets to disperse
the scholars, who ran helter-skelter.’
Phephile Sifundza, aged 20,
a student, was shot in the leg.
The Swazi Observer reported, ‘[Sifundza]
said
she was not among the protesting students but was crossing the road at the
traffic lights towards Manzini City. She said she was in the company of her
friend when she heard gunshots.’
It quoted her saying, ‘In a moment, I was on the
ground and I realised that I was hurt. I tried to call out for help but
everyone was running around.’ When the chaos died down her colleagues took her
to hospital.
On Thursday (31 October 2019) workers
marched in protest against police brutality and delivered petitions to the Ministry
of Public Service, Ministry of Labour and Social
Security, Ministry of Education and Training and the police headquarters in the
Swazi capital, Mbabane.
Police recently used live
ammunition, rubber bullets, teargas and water cannon against public
service workers engaged in legal protests. More than 30 people were injured by
police.
Last month (October 2019) the International Trade
Union Confederation (ITUC) condemned police brutality. ITUC General Secretary Sharan
Burrow said in a statement, ‘Respect for workers’ rights, good faith
dialogue and a government that responds to people’s needs and concerns – just
like any other country, this is what eSwatini needs, not state violence against
the people. eSwatini’s King Mswati pledged to us earlier this year to build
these bridges, yet now we are seeing the government pulling all stops to
undermine them.’
See also
Swaziland
students boycott classes as Govt. breaks promise to pay allowances
Swaziland
police brutality under attack from international workers’ group
Swaziland
workers to march and petition against police brutality
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