By Thokozani Mazibuko
Illegal wildlife activities are on an upsurge around the country.
This has been highlighted in a press statement released by the Royal Eswatini Police Service, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Police Information and Communication Officer,
which disclosed a series of arrests made between the 5th and 8th of September 2024.
In the first case, a 40-year-old man from Mtubatuba was apprehended and charged with possessing an elephant skin trophy without the required license or permit while in the Nsoko area.
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Wildlife trafficking and poaching remain persistent challenges in Eswatini, threatening the country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Subsequently, a 28-year-old man from Lubulini, Emabantaneni, was arrested for possessing two man-made 12-bore shotguns and five live rounds of 12-bore ammunition without proper authorization while at the Nisela Valley Farm.
The illicit possession of firearms raises concerns about public safety and underscores the importance of stringent regulations on weapon ownership.
In a separate incident, a 39-year-old man from Sandleni in Glenvuma, along with a 32-year-old from Ncangosini, were taken into custody for hunting and killing two bushbucks (Timbabala) and a genet cat (Insimba) at the Kubuta Sisa Ranch in the KaMfishane area.
The unlawful hunting of protected wildlife species not only violates conservation laws but also disrupts fragile ecosystems and threatens endangered species.
The most disturbing arrest involved four men from the Mdonjane area, aged 20, 24, 20, and 23, who were implicated in the murder of a 23-year-old man.
The tragic incident, which shook the community in Malkerns, highlights the need for effective law enforcement and crime prevention strategies to safeguard citizens from acts of violence.
These arrests show the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, combating wildlife crime, and ensuring public safety across the kingdom.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in apprehending individuals involved in illegal activities send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable for their crimes.
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As the investigations into these cases progress, the REPS’s Police Information and Communication Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati has urged the public to report any suspicious or unlawful activities,
emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and security in Eswatini.
By working together, law enforcement and citizens can contribute to a safer and more lawful society for all.
“The Royal Eswatini Police Service remains vigilant in its duty to protect the citizens and wildlife of the kingdom, and their swift actions in these recent arrests serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication to justice and order.
In the face of challenges posed by criminal activities, the police continue to stand as a beacon of lawfulness and integrity, striving to uphold the values of a just and secure society for all,” Vilakati said.
