THE Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) demanded yesterday the release of four of its members who have been charged with arson.

They were arrested following Sunday’s torching of four rondavel huts in the town of Siphofaneni in the Ka-Ngcamphalala aristocratic chiefdom of Mshikashika II.

CPS leaflets reportedly found at the scene were used to pin the attack on the communists.

But CPS general secretary Kenneth Kunene said it was no surprise that the leaflets were found as the party was conducting a door-to-door campaign in the chiefdom “to mobilise opposition to royal rule and its obsequious implementation by local chiefs.”

One key issue in the campaign is that of feudal leaders barring boys who refuse to attend King Mswati III’s lavish annual ceremonial events from attending school and university.

“The CPS is also linking this feudal oppression with Mswati’s seizure of land from communities and the need to overturn royal rule to return land and dignity to the people,” said Mr Kunene.

Community members held a meeting at Siphofaneni to tell the chief that the abuse of people in the name of tradition must end.

“This is being done in a tense situation of surveillance and intimidation by undercover police and military intelligence,” he added.