By Phephile Motau
The government has sent out a warning to entities that issue threats against the lives of national security personnel.
The warning was sent through a statement by Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.
He said the government categorically rejected the threats issued by some proscribed entities and by certain individuals against the lives of national security services personnel such as Clement Sihlongonyane, who is one of the most fearless, cherished, and dedicated officers in the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
He said these threats were issued through social media platforms by a certain individual whose organisation remains a proscribed entity in the country.
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“In what was referred to as an “address to the nation,” this individual issued life-terminating threats to the country’s national security forces, using strong and aggressive combative terms such as ‘targets’ in reference to Mr Sihlongonyane in particular,” he said.
Nxumalo also said government warns these individuals and entities that an attack on the national security officers will be considered a direct attack on the nation and on the State itself. He said this, therefore, will be followed by dire consequences for those responsible.
“Government takes this opportunity to urge such individuals and entities to desist from tendencies of threatening national security officers while in their line of duty and executing their constitutional mandate to enforce the laws of the land,” Nxumalo said.
He added that this is not only criminal behaviour in terms of the Computer Crime and CyberCrime Act 2022, but it is also politically naive for these individuals and entities to believe that they can advance their respective political cause by issuing threats to members of the security forces.
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Nxumalo said Sihlongonyane has survived several attempts to terminate his life and this is a huge disappointment to the members of proscribed entities and individuals who have made him their “target.”
“The nation has taken notice of these threats and the long arm of the law shall one day catch up with those who have resorted to the politics of ‘swords and spears.’ AYIKHO IMPHUNGA YELIHLATSI LAMHLABENI!!!,” Nxumalo warned.
He said the government continues to urge the entire nation to create and safeguard the environment in their respective communities which will allow proper policing to take place.
“Protect the police while they are executing their duties in order for them to be able to protect communities and their inhabitants,” the government spokesperson said.
