Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Swaziland Friday while they marched against worsening living conditions and the cost of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the absolute monarchy. More than 2,000 people took to the streets to take part in a rare demonstration organised by Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) in the administrative capital Mbabane.
One protester was injured in the thigh when police fired rubber bullets at the crowd angered by celebrations marking independence from Britain in 1968 that coincide with the birthday of King Mswati III.
Police tussled with protesters, some of whom burnt tyres and blocked roads, as they made their way to the prime minister's office to deliver a petition. Some marchers attempted to tear down the gates at the PM's office and force their way inside but were blocked by police.
Regional media have claimed that Swaziland's government had purchased a fleet of luxury BMWs for the occasion, something that officials have denied.
The Times of Swaziland daily reported that chief justice Bheki Maphalala had instructed judges to contribute at least $165 each to the festivities.
"Our hospitals have run out of medicine. Of course, ordinary citizens can't afford to go to Asia or Europe to get proper medical care," said TUCOSWA official Muzi Mhlanga.