A HUMAN rights group in Swaziland on Wednesday expressed grave concern about a new law introduced by King Mswati III giving traditional chiefs sweeping powers. The controversial law, enacted last month without parliamentary debate, could threaten national unity and turn people against the chiefs, said the Human Rights Association of Swaziland’s Joshua Mzizi. The Swazi Administration Order gave chiefs in the kindgom the power to arrest and try their subjects and fine them up to R300 ($50). Chiefs are now able to evict from their area anyone who does not comply with the new law, which makes them judges, prosecutors and police officers. Subjects are allowed legal representation in the chiefs’ courts.