Eswatini

The eSwatini Electricity Company (EEC) announced that a planned power outage is expected to occur from Monday, 16 January 2023, until Tuesday, 17 January 2023, from 09H00 until 16H00. The EEC noted that the power outage is due to maintenance work needed to be conducted on electricity lines. The EEC further noted that the affected areas include Mobeni Ekuyehlela, Mponono, Maphophoma, Hlane, Malanti, Sankolweni, Banana Army Barracks, Matfuntini and Mlindazwe.

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Shooting reported in the vicinity of the Masundvwini area of Manzini, eSwatini. Reports of gunfire have emerged from the area. Military helicopters are reportedly also conducting patrols over the area. The circumstances surrounding the situation remain unknown at this time. Motorists and members of the public are advised to avoid the area. The security situation remains volatile.

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Protest reported at the Manzini Police Regional Headquarters. Reports indicate that members of the Swaziland United Democratic Front (SFDF) demand justice for the Deputy Secretary General of the SFDF, Muzi Mmema, who was kidnapped by unknown people at his home In Ntondozi and murdered in a forest about 20 kilometres (km) from his residence. Motorists are advised to avoid the area for the duration of the demonstration. Local authorities are currently on the scene to monitor the situation.

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The Hhohho Regional Transport Association has announced that regional operators are expected to resume activities at the bus depot from 05H00 tomorrow, 14 December 2022. This follows after the Association and Government representatives reportedly agreed to ensure the provision of security for vehicles operated by Transport Association drivers.

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The High Court of Eswatini has postponed its ruling on the case until Thursday, 15 December 2022. Members of Parliament (MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube have departed the High Court premises.

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Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo announced that the Government provided buses to operate along the Mbabane-Manzini corridor at no cost to commuters. The buses are currently at Mbabane Bus Rank. This follows as transport workers affiliated with the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) have embarked on a nationwide strike action from today, 13 December 2022, until Wednesday, 14 December 2022. The SWATCAWU is demanding the release of two Parliament members accused of inciting civil unrest in July 2021. Public transport workers has suspended operations for the duration of the protest despite an Industrial Court Order interdicting them from proceeding with the transport shutdown.

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Protest reported in Hluthi, Shiselweni. Supporters of transport workers affiliated with the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) have barricaded the road with burning tyres and debris. This is part of the nationwide strike by the SWATCAWU demanding the release of two Parliament members accused of inciting civil unrest in July 2021. Police have fired shots in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators. The public is advised to avoid the area.

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Protest expected at the High Court in Mbabane today, 13 December 2022, by members affiliated with the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU). The two Parliament members accused of inciting civil unrest in July 2021 will appear in court. The transport workers affiliated with SWATCAWU have embarked on a nationwide strike from today, 13 December 2022, until Wednesday, 14 December 2022. SWATCAWU is calling for the release of two members of Parliament. The public is advised to exercise caution near the High Court in Mbabane and other government buildings nationwide.

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Transport workers affiliated with the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) are expected to embark on a nationwide strike from today, 13 December 2022, until Wednesday, 14 December 2022. SWATCAWU is calling for the release of two members of Parliament. They are accused of inciting civil unrest in July 2021 and will face trial at the High Court in Mbabane today. The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has called for schools to close for the duration of the strike due to the possibility of violence. The public is advised to exercise caution near the High Court in Mbabane and other government buildings nationwide.

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Road closure reported on Msunduza Road, in Mbabane. Reports indicate that the community have barricaded the road with stones and debris. The situation remains unknown at this stage. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.

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