Eswatini PM warns against interference in gambling arrests
The comments followed questions over claims that politicians had intervened in police efforts to arrest people linked to illegal gambling.
Eswatini.- Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called for police to pursue suspected illegal gambling operators without interference, following reports of attempts by politicians to obstruct law enforcement operations.
Dlamini said police should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities under the law and that anyone involved in criminal activity should be arrested and brought before the courts.
Dlamini’s remarks came after claims that politicians had intervened in police efforts to arrest people linked to illegal gambling. Dlamini said he was not aware of any such case being reported to his office.
Police leadership also indicated that it had not received reports alleging that Cabinet ministers had prevented officers from carrying out their duties.
The allegations emerged after authorities expanded their investigation into a dismantled illegal gambling network following the seizure of electronic devices that reportedly revealed links to politicians, immigration officials and other government appointees.
The crackdown on the illegal gambling operation has seen police arrest more than 150 foreign nationals from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, Cambodia and India. Some of these individuals have since been convicted and deported, while others remain in custody awaiting repatriation.
An alleged ringleader and two other suspects are currently being held pending trial. Three emaSwati are also accused of hiring foreign nationals to operate the illegal gambling businesses.
The suspects are expected to face legal proceedings as authorities continue to take action against gambling operations conducted outside Eswatini’s legal framework.
