Dozens of young women killed en route to festival at Swazi king’s palace

Up to 38 girls and young women are believed to have been killed in an accident en route to the palace for the annual Reed Dance in Swaziland. The Swaziland Solidarity Network said about 20 others were hurt when the trucks in which they were travelling collided on Friday. The young women were on their way to the Swazi king’s royal residence for the annual reed dance. The festival sees thousands of women and girls travelling from chiefdoms to the Ludzidzini royal village every year to participate in the eight-day event.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident was allegedly caused by a driver of [a] car who was driving from the Matsapha Shopping Complex and was about to join the highway to Mbabane. He was signalled to stop by traffic police officers as the convoy of trucks ferrying imbali [maidens] was approaching.

Swazi Observer

World Swazi