Hunter arrested
By MBONGISENI NDZIMANDZE
MBABANE – Private Investigator Hunter Shongwe has been arrested for using a spy aircraft without a valid licence or permit.
The gadget operates as a ‘floating’ camera and takes pictures of people and places without raising suspicion. The owner of such an aircraft operates it using a hand held remote control.
Shongwe was arrested by police officers from the Hhohho Serious Crimes Unit (Lukhozi) on Tuesday afternoon.
He is alleged to have contravened the Regulations of Aviation in that he operated the aircraft without having obtained a licence.
Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Wendy Hleta confirmed Shongwe’s arrest.
She said Shongwe is expected to appear before court today. Information gathered is that he is currently kept at the Mbabane Police Station.
According to the Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) Act of 2009, all people who need to fly an aircraft for whatever purpose are supposed to obtain a licence from SWACAA. This is the same gadget which Shongwe once alleged had gone missing while flying in the direction of Somhlolo National Stadium where members of the League of Churches were arriving for the Easter services.
The small aircraft was allegedly on a mission to record everything that was happening at the stadium and surrounding areas during the services. In a previous interview with the Times SUNDAY, Shongwe said that the spy aircraft was worth E20 000.
http://www.times.co.sz/News/86969.html