King orders rifles only for Butimba
By Thokozani Mazibuko
His Majesty King Mswati III has made it clear that only rifles will be permitted for this year’s Butimba hunting expedition, issuing a directive that pistols are strictly prohibited.
Delivering the King’s order on Sunday, Indvuna Qomentanyeni Magagula informed the assembled warriors at the Hlane Royal Residence that the use of pistols—referred to in siSwati as umtfukuso—would not be tolerated. “Kufuneka tibhamu tekutingela, hhayi umtfukuso,” said the Indvuna, translating to “only hunting rifles, not pistols.”
Magagula emphasised that the Butimba is a traditional hunting expedition deeply rooted in Swazi culture, and therefore must be conducted with dignity and adherence to custom.
The use of rifles is intended to maintain order, safety, and respect for the traditional exercise.
Following the announcement, warriors were instructed to immediately begin registering their firearms with the Royal Eswatini Police Service present on-site.
The registration process is meant to ensure that only approved hunting weapons are carried into the game reserve. In addition, participants were ordered to prepare their sleeping arrangements for the duration of the Butimba.
The Butimba, commissioned by His Majesty, is one of the most significant cultural activities in the Swazi calendar. It brings together regiments of men led by the King for a hunting expedition in one of the nation’s game reserves.
While the hunt traditionally involves the killing of selected game, it is also regarded as a unifying cultural event that strengthens the bond between the monarch and his warriors.
By insisting on the exclusive use of hunting rifles, the King has underlined the seriousness of the expedition while also prioritising safety.
Pistols, often associated with personal defence rather than hunting, were deemed inappropriate for the cultural exercise.
The warriors, in high spirits despite the stern reminder, continued their preparations under the watchful eye of their commanders. As the hunt progresses, all eyes will be on the regiments as they honour an age-old tradition under the direct leadership of the King.