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By KWANELE DHLADHLA | 2022-12-01
Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, has stated in no uncertain terms that anyone who perpetrates and sponsors acts of terrorism through social media would face the full wrath of the law.
Masuku said following disturbing and highly misleading information such as the death of members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) after an attack by unknown men at Zibonele Army Camp, which he described as blatant lies, government had been prompted to invoke laws to protect the nation.
He said such laws included the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, which criminalises offences committed through the usage of computer systems and electronic communication networks.
“People who bully others, commit cyber terrorism, propagate hate speech, perpetrate and spread lies, incite others to kill for money and intimidate others should be aware that this Act is alive and has extra-territorial jurisdiction and therefore when caught, they will face justice anywhere,” said Masuku during a press conference convened at Cabinet offices yesterday.
The DPM went on to advise anyone who perpetrates criminal acts by transmitting various material in the form of videos, audios or text messages that such acts remain punishable in terms of existing legislation.
Masuku pointed out that the Act also talks to extradition of those who commit such crimes in the comfort of another State.
“We further note that these terrorist acts are sponsored both internally and externally through dubious cash transactions. We want to remind the nation that money laundering and financing of terrorism is a serious crime, with serious consequences,” he said.
In light of the financing of terrorist acts, he said they would continue to enforce The Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Prevention Act 2016.
When asked whether there were any on-going investigations to the alleged financing of terrorist activities in the country, Masuku said issues of national security and intelligence would not be discussed in the public domain.
He further urged the nation to avoid participating in terror crimes to protect themselves, their families and everyone who resides in the kingdom.
He acknowledged that the violent situation had created a lot of fear and uncertainty.
Innocent
The DPM said it was no doubt that the on-going killing of innocent citizens, including security personnel and arson attacks on public and private property, compromised national security.
He emphasised that as a country, it would be inappropriate to live under a situation of threats, intimidation, and lawlessness.
“Let us together uphold law and order because this is the fundamental tenet of democracy and socio-economic development. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to make this country a safe space for everyone. We can only win if we unite and stand as one against the perpetrators of violence and terrorism in the country,” Masuku emphasised.
The deputy premier assured the nation that government would continue to work hard to defeat all elements of terrorism and make the country a safe and peaceful place to live in.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and the UEDF recently warned the nation against posting sensitive and misleading information on social media, which instigates terrorism and violence.
The safety and security institutions said some of the information shared on social media was malicious and designed to mislead the nation and sow unrest. Both the army and police raised concerns about the safety of police and soldiers, who they said were at risk of being attacked as a result of misleading and insensitive information.
National Commissioner of Police (NatCom), William Dlamini, warned the public to be wary of people who perpetuate their agenda of entrenching anarchy in the country using social media.
UEDF Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo cautioned the nation against misusing social media platforms to perpetrate violence against some members of the army.
Khumalo said this was through posting inaccurate information such as the identities of the soldiers presumed to be present during certain operations.
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