Mbabane: In some countries sharing false or inaccurate information related to COVID-19 could expose one to severe consequences. Eswatini, like in other countries takes the violation of the Covid-19 regulations very seriously and offenders can be brought to book and fined.
South African transport minister Fikile Mbalula laid charges against media personality Somizi Mhlongo against name dropping and misinformation after Mhlongo was heard on an Instagram live video pre-empting that the lockdown in that country would be extended by two weeks, and that Mbalula had told him so. However, Mhlongo was left off the hook after the matter was eventually settled out of court.
In Eswatini many people have appeared in magistrate courts in contravention of the covid-19 regulations and mostly were fined.
Swaziland Shopping News Editor, Zweli “Zwermat” Dlamini, who is on police wanted list stands to be charged if found to have violated Legal Notice No: 72 of 2020 of the Disaster Management Act No. 1 of 2006 of the coronavirus (COVID-19) Regulation, 2020. This is according to an impeccable source linked to the country’s justice system.
Dlamini is said to have circulated misinformation on Covid-19 through his online publication, The Swaziland News.
Regulations
On spreading rumours or unauthenticated information on COVID -19, Section 29 (1) of the Disaster Management Act says a person or an institution or organization shall not-
(a) spread any rumour or unauthenticated information regarding COVID-19;
(b) Use any print or electronic media for information regarding COVID-19 without prior permission of the Ministry of Health;
(c) Publish any statement, through any medium, including social media, with the intention to deceive any other person about – COVID-19;
(d) Use print or electronic media on the COVID-19 infection status of any person; or
(e) Spread of any rumour or unauthentic information regarding any measure taken by the Government to address COVID-19.
The Act says a person or an institution or organization that indulges in an activity that contravenes this Regulation commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand Emalangeni (E20, 000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five (5) years.
Wanted
Last week the police appealed for public assistance to locate the controversial Swaziland News Editor saying he was needed to assist the police on their scope of work. Subsequent to the appeal the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) issued a statement condemning the ‘harrasment’ of the journalist.
Speaking through their Facebook page SSN spokesperson Lucky Lukhele said they condemn in the strongest possible terms the harassment of Dlamini, adding that as the SSN they see such as an intimidation of media workers aimed at bullying them into silence. “The only crime that Dlamini committed was to report about the King and the royal family’s corruption which angered the king,” Lukhele is quoted to have said.
Speaking to the Independent News, Police Information Communications Officer Phindile Vilakati said they can’t as yet disclose what the editor is specifically wanted for, but they request anyone who might know his whereabouts to call the police.
The Eswatini Observer quoted the Police PRO as saying if there could be any person residing or knowing the whereabouts of Dlamini but concealing such information, they might be inviting trouble for themselves.
Police officers to be contacted regarding Zweli Martin Dlamini’s where about are: Sam Mthembu at 7606 2316; Clement Sihlongonyane at 7612 7994 or Madlopha at 7605 7428; or the toll free emergency line 999.
Governments
Earlier on the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini issued a public statement saying it is crucial that people have access to accurate information to impede the spread of the virus. False health measures and reports can impede public health officials’ ability to effectively impact peoples’ behaviour and curb the crisis.
Governments across the world and international health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are fighting to mitigate the harmful impact of false health information. Such efforts have included partnerships with social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and others to minimize the spread of misinformation but also, importantly, to prioritize and amplify accurate information about COVID-19 in regions across the globe.
According to online advocacy group Access Now, governments have implemented “cybercrime” and “fake news” laws that criminalize the spread of any information deemed to “threaten national security.” Infractions in countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, can lead to jail sentences and hefty fines. If you are found guilty, the prison terms range from a minimum of 3-5 years, and in the UAE, up to life imprisonment.
The group says it is vitally important to have access to accurate information, and any violation threatens the public health crisis.
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