THE family of Silindile Dlamini, the 28-year-old woman fatally shot during a joint security operation, has reportedly welcomed a visit from representatives of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).
The delegation arrived at the family home at Bhekinkosi on Wednesday to offer condolences following Silindile’s tragic death near the Mngunyane Shopping Centre along the Luve main road on March 12.
Silindile, who was reportedly pregnant, died from a head wound after the vehicle she was travelling in allegedly failed to stop at a checkpoint manned by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and the UEDF.
The deceased’s uncle Saul Dlamini confirmed the visit, further describing the encounter as calm and measured.
“They found us in a calm manner; we did not take them badly but opened our arms.
“The only thing we asked for was for the family to be given space to grieve and thereafter have discussions about the manner in which our daughter died,” he said.
The UEDF delegation reportedly made a practical contribution to support the family during this difficult period, including providing tents, food and an undisclosed sum of money.
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Saul Dlamini emphasised that the family harboured no grudges.
“It is the Lord who knows a person’s day on earth. They might have thought we would start a war, but we did not. We live in the Kingdom of Eswatini where we are ruled by authorities that we ought to respect,” he said.
He carefully refrained from directly attributing blame, stating:
“I will not say the army shot Silindile, but they were here to pay condolences following an accident that happened in their line of duty,” he said.
The visit follows an earlier condolence call by senior officers from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, led by Manzini Regional Commander Charles Simelane, who also pledged to maintain peace and order during Silindile’s funeral, scheduled for tomorrow at Bhekinkosi.
Government, through a statement signed by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, previously expressed regret on behalf of the government and extended sympathies to the family.
He also confirmed that investigations into the shooting were ongoing, urging the public to remain calm and allow due process.
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The family has consistently requested respect for their privacy, dismissed unsubstantiated social media rumours linking the death to royalty, and appealed against misinformation as they prepare to bid farewell to Silindile with dignity.
UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu could not comment on the matter at the time of going to print.
When contacted, Major Sandile Gwebu requested to be reached at a later time as he needed to consult on the matter. A final attempt was made around 8:15pm but he ended the call, promising to return it.
