272 murder cases recorded in 2022, 30% are police

By Sifiso Sibandze

In 2022, 272 people were premeditatedly killed in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Of these murders, 11 of which account for about 30 per cent are police officers who were brutally killed in the line of duty, allegedly by insurgents who are calling for regime change.

These statistics were shared by the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, William Tsintsibala Dlamini during the Royal Eswatini Police Annual Prayer Day that was held on Friday at the Police Academy, Matsapha.

On top of the 272 murder cases, the National Commissioner disclosed that there were 151 suicides recorded during the same period.

“This is notwithstanding the 120 road deaths attended to in the second half of the year, from July – December 2022. The NATCOM requested prayer for the killings, problematic crimes and road carnages. As a police service, we utilize this platform to solicit prayers from the Church and the nation at large that God intervenes in our policing endeavours and also gives us strength and success in executing our 2023 policing action plans. We pray for an end to the misery and trauma suffered by the friends, families and colleagues of all the police officers who died in the line of duty in 2022,” Dlamini said.

The NATCOM also prayed for calm and order in the country following a turbulent past few years that have been characterised by violent protests, violence and arson attacks.

“We also pray against the litany of safety and security issues that manifest stubbornly in our society which include crimes of violence, homicides and road deaths.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini encouraged police officers to continue to soldier on, no matter the challenges faced.

“His Majesty’s Government is behind you, and above all God will continue to be with you. Having said that, it is important to point out that the terrorism-inspired acts of violence we are currently witnessing in the country are unfortunate as they are hugely detrimental to the country’s social and economic fabric. These acts breed a culture of anarchy and sow division and enmity, a scenario that is not conducive to the Nation’s aspirations for socio-economic development which can only thrive in an environment marked by peace and stability,” the PM said.

The PM then appreciated the fact that a vast majority of peace-loving emaSwati have openly condemned these acts of terrorism, in particular, the senseless killings of police officers and other members of the security forces.

“As we have gathered to pray here today, let us pray for an end to the violence, and that those orchestrating it are unmasked and brought to book. We are confident and have faith that God will help us in ensuring that this challenge facing the country is ultimately overcome,” said the PM.