Mbabane: Police are swooping down on alcohol imbibers who refuse to sit at home while enjoying their beverages.
Early on Saturday morning, October 30, a week after government lifted the ban, Mbabane police pounced on unsuspecting drinkers at several drinking spots in Nkoyoyo, outside Mbabane and using batons and leather canes beat them up.
According to a source, who preferred anonymity, about 10 plain clothed officers raided the spots, most of them informal. “They found us in the houses and stood at the entrance, and told us to come out one by one, and as we made our way out we were each given three hard strokes on our backs,” said the source who had also been one of those drinking the whole night. He said while beating them the police told them to go to their homes, while uttering unpalatable words. The source, who preferred anonymity, admitted that there was no observing of the Covid-19 regulations, including social distancing and wearing of masks, much against the directive issued by government.
“Yes, we did not adhere to the rules and we sat close to each other as well as shared our drinks, something we did the whole night” said the source, who added that they should rather have been dispersed than beaten.
In addition, the officers emptied the containers which breamed with traditional brew as well as took them (containers) and loaded them in their vehicles.
The source revealed that some of the drinkers are alleged to have stood their ground and refused to leave the place, even answering back to the officers. “This provoked the ire of the officers who began to use open hands and kicks in addition to using the batons,” said the source.
However, none of the imbibers were seriously injured or arrested by the officers.
What worried the source was that earlier on the National Commissioner of Police, William Tsintsibala Dlamini, issued a statement cautioning police officers against beating law breakers. “Clearly, the officers acted in defiance of their own boss and we wonder if they will be called to account should a complaint be lodged,” said the source.
Drawn for comment Police Chief Information and Communications Officer (PICO), Phindile Vilakati said she didn’t want to believe that the officers beat the imbibers especially after NATCOM issued a stern warning against police brutality. “I am not aware of such information and will check with the relevant sections, but I can only believe that the drinkers were dispersed with minimum violence against those who rebelled,” said Vilakati.
The alcohol ban was lifted by the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini on October 26, with strict orders to remain at home while enjoying the drinks.
