CARMEL RICKARD: Is this xenophobia?
Crackdown on illegal aliens may be legitimate, but it has uncomfortable echoes because of Swaziland’s absolute monarchy’s record on human rights and the rule of law
Long ago I vowed not to visit Swaziland under its present system of government. This is Africa’s last absolute monarchy, with an appalling record on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and its exploitation of the poor to finance the lavish lifestyle of the royal family reflects this. But there are people who head to Swaziland from halfway around the world and "fall in love" with the place — so much so that, if the country’s specialised counterterrorism and organised crime unit is to be believed, they actually forge the royal signature on their citizenship application documents. Dilawar Hussain is being investigated for exactly this offence. He is one of four Swazi "citizens", originally from Pakistan, suspected of fraud, forgery and breaches of immigration and citizenship laws. While three of the group have been given bail, the high court in Mbabane recently ordered Hussain to stay in custody pending trial.Hussain’s story is that when he arrived in Swaziland in February 200...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.