By Phumlani Dlamini

Former SNAT Secretary General Muzi Mhlanga is demanding a sum of E1 million from the government of eSwatini after losing a tooth during an alleged assault by the Royal Swazi Police.

According to the Swazi Observer (government owned publication), the alleged incident took place on March 14, 2015 near the SNAT Building opposite the William Pitcher College in Manzini during a TUCOSWA meeting that was then stopped by the police.

Mhlanga through his representative submitted that he was assaulted more than 10 police officers who were allegedly led by one Thembikosi Mngometulu. He further alleged that he was dragged by his privet part for about 20 meters.

The Swazi Observer reported that government denied the assault submitting that the police were on the meeting to preserve peace and order. “It is inconceivable that the police could simply assault the plaintiff (Mhlanga) without justifiable course. If there is any tooth gap the plaintiff has, it was not occasioned by any assault by the police,” submitted government.

This is not an issolated incident in the country as Ayanda Dlamini (UNISWA student) was run over by the Royal Swazi Police vehicle during a clash between UNISWA students and and security forces during a protest in February 2018. The Times of Swaziland October 2016 reported police firing six shorts to about 200 students leaving six injured during the students protests that took place in October 2016.