Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

VOCAL MP BACEDE MABUZA ARRESTED

By SIFISO DLAMINI | 2020-08-06

DRAMA unfolded as renowned businessman and vocal Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza was forcefully thrown inside a police vehicle during his much publicised arrest yesterday morning.

This occurred when plain clothed police officers were executing an arrest warrant issued at the Mbabane Magistrate, outlining reasonable grounds against the accused that on Tuesday, he committed an obstruction case.

The warrant further commanded the police officers and other officers of the law that immediately upon sight, they arrest and bring the accused or cause him to be arrested and brought before the said court to be dealt with according to the law.

This follows a series of events involving the vetting of aspiring senator and Mabuza’s younger brother, Sifiso Mabuza, in preparation for the Senate elections which took place yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at Mabuza’s home at Coats Valley Township in Manzini, where the police are reported to have stormed his home in the early hours.

Information gathered at the scene revealed that the police waited for Mabuza for a few hours while he was reportedly making arrangements for the payment of his business suppliers and getting dressed before surrendering to the law enforcers.

Upon arrival at the scene, there were about six plain clothed police officers waiting for the accused while he was observed giving instruction to members of his staff to ensure his businesses are not affected whilst he was assisting the police with their investigation.

What began as a discussion between Mabuza and members of the police led by Senior Superintendent Clement Sihlongonyane ended in the all too familiar scene with the police forcefully pushing Mabuza into one of their vehicles with one officer firmly grabbing his neck while others pushed him into the Quantum after denying him to use his own vehicle while being escorted by the police.

After what was said to have been hours of waiting by the police, the accused approached the officers at the entrance where they were waiting for him with one of their two vehicles blocking the entrance while the other vehicle was parked a few metres away.

On arrival at the entrance, Mabuza pleaded with the police to allow him to use his own vehicle so he could finalise his business deals before being detained as his unavailability would impact his businesses.

“I understand that you have come to arrest me and I willingly surrender.

Discretion

“I plead with you to allow me the discretion of driving my own vehicle to the police station so I can be able to charge my phones and ensure I notify all my suppliers, both local and abroad that I would be indisposed for a while and unable to make approvals while in custody,” pleaded Mabuza.

His plea fell on deaf ears as the police outlined that they had been made to wait at the gate for a lengthy period.

He then agreed to be driven by the police. He stated that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he feared for his health and requested to be allowed to use the police van where he could be alone to avoid any possible exposure to the virus.

The police officers again declined the request.

An argument ensured as the police officer ordered Mabuza to board the kombi as the vehicle he requested to be driven in was used to transport dead bodies.

“I do not mind even if the vehicle is used to transport corpses as long as I will be alone in the back of the vehicle,” insisted Mabuza.

Following the argument, the police forcefully escorted Mabuza to the kombi and forced him inside.

Mabuza attempted to resist and the police used minimal using force with one of the officers grabbing him by the neck while the others shoved him inside and shut the door before driving off. During the scuffle, he was heard shouting while gasping for air and pleading with the police to allow him to breath.

“Why are you chocking me?” shouted Mabuza.

Later on the day, some Members of Parliament visited the Mbabane Police Station where Mabuza was supposedly detained.

They were, however, told that he was not at the police station and informed to contact National Commissioner William Tsitsibala for more information.

The legislators wanted to know when he would make his court appearance so they could come and support to their colleague.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Phindile Vilakati later disclosed that one of the police officers present during the arrest was injured and had to be rushed to hospital for treatment.

She also mentioned that four more charges were levelled against the accused following the incident.

share story