By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) have released their Performance Report for the period between 1st April to 30th June 2024, revealing a concerning rise in serious crimes, notably the escalation of missing persons cases.
The report highlights the growing security threat posed by these disappearances, as they often lead to more severe crimes such as human trafficking, murder, and suicides.
According to the report, a total of 450 cases of missing persons were reported during this period. Of these, 384 individuals were located alive, ten were found dead, and 56 remain missing with ongoing investigations.
The spike in missing persons cases has sparked alarm, highlighting the urgent need for intensified efforts to address the root causes and prevent further tragedies.
In addition to the missing persons crisis, the report sheds light on the increasing incidence of suicides, which REPS describes as a serious social tragedy.
Over the three-month period, 21 people took their own lives, with males accounting for 15 of these deaths and females for six.
The police investigations reveal that stress, unemployment, chronic illness, domestic abuse, and social isolation are among the leading factors contributing to these suicides.
The report also provides insight into other serious crimes, including stock theft. One suspect was arrested and charged for seven cases of stock theft, where three cattle and nine goats,
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collectively valued at E48,700, were stolen from various areas, including Lwandle, Maliyaduma, Ntabamhloshana, Mafutseni, and Malindza.
Additionally, six suspects were apprehended and charged for stealing and slaughtering cows and goats valued at E35,600 in the bushes at Maliyaduma, Logoba, and Eteteni, where they were caught in the act.
Moreover, the REPS report highlights significant progress in combating theft, with two suspects arrested and charged for the theft of 44 laptops from Bhunya High School, valued at E92,091.
Another suspect was arrested and charged for raping three children, aged between 11 and 13, at Esitseni.