BY MBONO MDLULI
HLANE – If you plan to carry a pistol during this year’s hunting expedition (Butimba), do not do so, as you might not be allowed to take part in this cultural activity.
Indvuna Comentanyeni Magagula sternly warned Emabutfo against carrying this kind of firearm to this event, stating that it is not suitable for hunting. Magagula made this announcement in the afternoon of August 25, 2025 at Hlane Royal Residence.
This was during the convergence of Emabutfo, in preparation for the hunting expedition, which is expected to take place at Hlane Royal National Park from August 26, 2025. Magagula mentioned that His Majesty King Mswati III ordered that all long-range guns to be used during this event should be registered with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) at a site that was set up for this purpose at Hlane Royal Residence.
Magagula emphasised that no unregistered firearms would be used for the Butimba. He further advised Emabutfo to prepare their places of sleep within the tents that had been set up for that purpose at Hlane.
The Emabutfo, according to Magagula, would be in high alert for an order to be taken from the king on what would be done next. He further warned that during the hunting expedition, no guns would be fired after the trumpets had been blown (kukhala kwelicilongo).
Magagula said the trumpet would be used from time to time, as a way of signifying to Emabutfo that an order had to be adhered to.
Emabutfo arrived at Hlane Royal Residence from Mafutseni Royal Kraal, where they had camped for the night of August 24, 2025. This was after they had been commissioned for the Butimba by the king from Ngabezweni Royal Residence, an event that was preceded by the commission of the Emabutfo from Ludzidzini Royal Residence on the same day.
