His Majesty King Mswati III yesterday ordered Libutfo not to return empty-handed from day seven of the hunting expedition in the ongoing Butimba ceremony.
The king wished Libutfo success in the hunt and advised each warrior to make at least two kills as game was abundant.
Yesterday, His Majesty the King commissioned Libutfo to hunt in two different locations.
The hunting party was commissioned to hunt at Mlawula Nature Reserve and Mbuluzi Game Reserve.
The orders were relayed by Army Commander Mashikilisane Hulumende Fakudze.
This was after the King had commissioned Libutfo to return to Magadzavane location, situated within the Mlawula Nature Reserve where they had also been commissioned to march from the previous day.
The seventh day of Butimba began with the customary blowing of the first trumpet, alerting Libutfo to get ready to march to the arena at Hlane Royal Residence.
Libutfo was soon after ordered to assemble at the arena by the second trumpet. They joyfully made their way to the arena in song and dance, where they first reformed kuhlehla before assuming the umkhumbi formation.
(Pics: Lucky Simelane)
The warriors waited for the arrival of the King while singing and dancing to traditional Butimba songs and maintained their high spirits as they were joined by the King who was in the company of Bayesikhulu.
Libutfo was also joined by Emakhosikati and Emazinyane in song and dance before departing for Mlawula Nature Reserve.
The order was communicated by Indvuna Qomentanyeni Magagula, who also informed Libutfo that the king had availed transport for the warriors just like it had been provided the previous day.
Indvuna Magagula said the king had also instructed Libutfo to perform kushisa tikhotse at Mbuluzi Game Reserve before proceeding to Mlawula Nature Reserve to receive further orders from the King.
On arrival at the day’s final destination, Indvuna Magagula informed Libutfo that the king had prepared refreshments for them.
He also instructed those who had guns to collect them from the police and return to umkhumbi to wait for His Majesty’s arrival.
On arrival, the king joined Libutfo in song and dance before summoning the army commander and fellow warriors to perform the customary ritual of simulating the hunt.
After the ritual, the army commander issued the last orders of the day and informed Libutfo that the king had granted them permission to hunt in two different locations.
Fakudze also informed the hunting party they had arrived at the perfect time as most of the game had already eaten their full meals and were resting, which would make it easier to hunt.
He also mentioned that there was plenty of game in both locations, hence the anticipation of a good hunt.
True to the king’s word, the first shot was fired within the first 15 minutes of the hunt.
This was also followed by multiple shots, signaling that the hunt was proceeding well.
