Swazi Observer

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BUSINESSMAN SHOOTS PEACE-MAKING BROTHER

By MELISA MSWELI | 2025-01-02

A Hlatikulu-based businessman allegedly shot his brother over a field dispute on New Year’s Eve.
The incident happened at Mehlwabovu, which is policed under Hlatikulu in the Shiselweni region.

According to sources, before the incident, the businessman’s sister Thembi Dlamini had requested the now deceased Gegela Dlamini to assist him in ploughing some of the family fields close to the homestead.

Sources shared that the businessman, who is an elder brother to the duo, heard that they had ploughed the fields without first seeking permission from him and decided to confront them.
“He first looked for them at home but did not find them. He then proceeded to the fields where they were said to be.

One of the people who at the homestead when he came looking for the two called and informed Thembi that their elder brother was looking for them and was headed in their direction,” said the source. It was said that he found them close to the road where they started arguing.

“The argument was initially between the businessman and Thembi,” revealed the source.
“The argument then got physical and one of her children recorded the businessman assaulting his mother,” stated the source.

In the video, the son is heard telling his mother not to fight the businessman as he had everything on record.

Gegela is said to have intervened, trying to be the peacemaker but was allegedly shot in the stomach, according to sources.

He was then rushed to Hlatikulu Government Hospital where he was immediately transferred to the RFM Hospital in Manzinii but unfortunately did not make as he was certified dead upon arrival.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the death of a 47-year-old man from Mehlwabovu. She said the deceased was shot once with a short gun in the stomach by a 57-year-old man.

“The suspect was arrested and charged. He will appear at the Nhlangano Magistrate Court,” she said.
* Businessman’s identity has been deliberately withheld as he is yet to appear before court.

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