Police in Swaziland (eSwatini) are to set up road
blocks across the kingdom and increase patrols in towns, cities and rural areas
to force people to obey the coronavirus lockdown.
National Commissioner of
Police William Dlamini said they would be working with other security forces
such as the army and prison service.
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National Commissioner of
Police William Dlamini. Picture: Government of eSwatini
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He told a press briefing
on Friday (24 April 2020), ‘We will be spread across the country, conducting
roadblocks and be visible in cities, towns and rural areas ensuring compliance.’
He said cars would be
stopped and drivers questioned about the purpose of their journey and if they did
not have a valid reason they would be turned back.
Swaziland has been in
partial lockdown since 27 March 2020. Last week the Swazi Government relaxed
the lockdown but only days later reversed the decision. There are restrictions
on businesses, large gatherings and travel.
Since the lockdown began
there have been a number of media reports of police
brutality against people allegedly disregarding the lockdown. Dlamini told
the briefing, ‘We assure the nation that all security officers have been
reminded that their duty is to assist, not abuse.’
The police commissioner
also warned about the spread of ‘fake news’. The day before journalist
Eugene Dube had been beaten and arrested by police. He faces a treason
charge for publishing articles critical of King Mswati III who rules Swaziland as
an absolute monarch.
Dlamini said, ‘The
law will take its course on those people who spread fake news about the
pandemic and about the country’s authorities. Even if one can hide wherever
they are but the law will always reach them and [they] will be apprehended.’
As of 24 April there has been only one reported death
from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Swaziland and 40 people have tested positive.
See also
Swaziland
Govt. pledges to feed 300,000 facing hunger in next two weeks as coronavirus
intensifies
Swaziland
journalist critical of absolute monarch, beaten, arrested, faces treason charge
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