By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has issued a cash reward of E15 000 to anyone who may assist them with information that will help them apprehend those behind the arson attacks at the Shiselweni forests.
According to the REPS, during August, three incidents suspected to be arson occurred at Shiselweni Forest, and 400 hectares of trees were destroyed during these fire incidents.
“As the Police Service, these three incidents are a cause for concern as it seems as if criminals are roaming the streets targeting businesses to cause irreparable harm and take advantage of the recent wave of wildfires that have been experienced all over the country,” the statement highlighted.
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According to a Statement issued by the National Commissioner, Vusi Manoma Masango, the first incident happened on the 11th of August 2024 whereby fifty (50) hectares of the forest at Nduba block valued at E4 Million was gutted by fire that is suspected to have been deliberately set by unknown criminal elements.
“Once again, on the 13th and 14th at least three hundred and forty-five (345) hectares valued at E44 million were set on fire in the same block.
These arson attacks not only bear severe costs as far as socio-economic development is concerned in the country but also have a serious drawback in sustainable employment for Emaswati,” reads the statement from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
The National Commissioner then appealed to law-abiding citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini to assist them with information that would lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes.
“In line with our standing policy, the anonymity of anyone proffering information will be safeguarded.
Information can be relayed to the following officers, Vusi Junior Dlamini Shiselweni Regional Crime Branch,
Officer 7618 6763, Seedwell Mthembu, Shiselweni Lukhozi Officer-In-Charge- 76033571,” the statement further read
