By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the eSwatini Police Spokesperson has clarified that the current raids were not only targeting pro-democracy activists but said these were normal operations which they conducted around the country.

Responding to questions from this Swaziland News, the police communication head confirmed the raids saying they have been on an operation to randomly and intelligently raid and search many places within the country. She was asked to comment on the matter of Ngwane National Liberation Congress (NNLC) Sibongile Mazibuko, PUDEMO Secretary General Wandile Dludlu and other pro-democracy activists whose homes and or houses were raided by the police this morning. 

“We have been on an operation to randomly and intelligent led raids and search in many places within the country. We also conducted some search and investigations to a number of citizens which we cannot name. It is our duty to follow information and when we do so we do not announce the names as any human is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Investigations is an exercise which may end with arrest or no arrest, so while it proceeds, we keep confidentiality of those concerned” said the Police Spokesperson.

Vilakati’s sentiments on the raids were also supported by National Commissioner William Dlamini who said no one has been arrested as they were merely following information. This was during a press conference with the media where he was asked to clarify the recent raiding by the police.

“We normally conduct raids, it is part of our business, basically, we should be raiding everyday so that we can ensure the safety of the public. It is during such raids where we mitigate the effects of crime so the public should understand that we are not harassing anyone, we are protecting the Nation. But on this particular one, we are following information as part of our investigations. When we receive information, we normally invite those concerned and sit down with them to verify that information if there are elements of criminality or not, it’s as simple as that” said the National Commissioner.