Fingers lost to firecracker

A middle-aged man of Sicelwini in Manzini begins the New Year with two fingers and a thumb badly damaged by a firecracker he was playing with when ushering into 2009.
Muzi ‘Masaburbs’ Mkhwanazi was trying to pull a stunt by exploding a firecracker, whilst it was planted firmly in his hands.
shocked
The incident, which left residents of the area shocked, happened while many people were celebrating the New Year hugging and kissing whilst others were praying to God for a safe crossover to 2009.
It is said that Mkhwanzi was with friends using fireworks after 12 midnight when he boasted that he was so brave that he could explode the firecracker from his hand.
Shown on Swazi TV news last night, Mkhwanazi had a heavily bandaged hand and an arm that was suspended on a sling.
His friends are said to have disapproved of the stunt but he insisted and further proceeded to pull the fateful stunt.
scream
“After the loud bang from the firecracker, we heard a piercing scream and we thought Mkhwanazi was being attacked by thugs.
When we got to the scene, we found him sprawled on the ground writhing in pain and we rushed him to the RFM Hospital where he was treated and discharged.
bravery
What shocked us the most was to learn that he was trying to display bravery to his friends by exploding the ‘cricket’ from his hand,” said Lucky Nxumalo, a member of the area’s community police.
He further warned against the misuse of fireworks, saying people should go back to the ancient ways whereby they would beat drums to celebrate the new year. He said such was never at any point a hazard to anyone.
incident
Mkhwanazi did not want to say a word when asked about the incident and threatened violence on journalists who wanted to interview him.
Meanwhile, police had warned members of the public against misusing fireworks on the night of the New Year celebrations, saying such makes a lot of noise and was a danger to the people.
activists
Police PRO Superintendent Vusi Masuku said people should take care not to cause harm to other people.
Animal rights activists have also complained bitterly about the effects of fireworks on animals.