By Mduduzi Hlophe

MANZINI: William Tsintsibala Dlamini, the National Commissioner of Police showed protesters a 'middle finger', saying it remains a serious criminal offence to label Police Spokesperson Superintendent Phindile Vilakati as a liar.

This is contained in the responses to a petition delivered by the Swaziland National Union of Students(SNUS)and the Swaziland United Democratic Front(SUDF) who were leading the justice for Thabani Nkomonye protests on Monday , the Commissioner subsequently unleashed armed police officers to brutally assault protesters and disrupt Nkomonye's peaceful memorial service in Manzini.

As exclusively reported by this Swaziland News investigation unit last week, Thabani Nkomonye was allegedly killed by the police, his body was dumped at Nhlambeni while his car was discovered hidden at Matsapha Police Station with bullet holes. Police had appealed to members of the public to assist them locate Thabani Nkomonye and the car that was in their possession. 

“.We will not comment any further as evidence is still going to be led before the Coroner at the inquest. There are no grounds warranting the dismissal of or disciplinary charges against the Chief PICO and we consider labelling her as liar as defamation of character which can attract both criminal and civil proceedings”, read the National Commissioner's responses in part.

When reached for comments, Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students said the responses by the National Commissioner remains an insult to them as students, adding that they won\'t rest until justice was served.

“We want to know the people who killed Thabani and also how he was killed. The police officers who were on duty that day, should be suspended from work and be prosecuted including those who shot Phiwayinkosi. The Commissioner is an errand boy for King Mswati who is interested in defending the system by intimidating progressive Members of Parliament (MPs) and students who are demanding justice for Thabani. We will organise another march this coming week, we will not rest until justice is served”, said SNUS President.