Swaziland News broke the tragic news earlier today. The police boss had reportedly travelled to Angola and was waiting to fly back to his home country. Commissioner William Dlamini had been in Angola for an International Police Organization (INTERPOL) deployment.
He touched down at OR Tambo International Airport from Angola and waited for his connecting flight to Eswatini. As he waited, he reportedly collapsed and died at about 4 AM, Swaziland News reported.
King Mswati is yet to officially announce the death of Commissioner Dlamini. However, a senior government official who requested anonymity confirmed the reports:
“It’s true, we have just received the sad news, but as you are promising not to quote me, I can confirm. The death of the National Commissioner is yet to be officially reported to the King. Nami ngititfola nyalo ekuseni kutsi live selivelelwe yinkinga lekanjena.”
Another high-level police officer could not confirm the news to the publication:
“I am off from work, but he was away attending an INTERPOL meeting in Angola.”
William Dlamini was appointed National Commissioner of Police by King Mswati III in 2019 during the 18th Police Day celebrations at the Matsapha Police Academy. He had been the Acting National Commissioner since late 2018 after former National Commissioner Isaac Mmemo Magagula became a senator.
Commissioner Dlamini was in charge of the police service during a period of political unrest and violence in Eswatini, sparked by pro-democracy protests against the absolute monarchy of King Mswati III. Some opposition groups and activists accused and threatened him of using excessive force and brutality against civilians. He also expressed fear for his life and avoided travelling with the royal convoy, saying it was too risky.
Source Byo24 News
