By Delisa Thwala
Once a peaceful residential area, Ngwane Park has now become a hotspot for violent crime, with residents living in constant fear of hijackings, armed robberies, and even rape.
Reports indicate that crime has surged between Lwandle and Ludwala, forcing the community into a state of anxiety and helplessness.
Residents say gunshots have become a daily occurrence, with criminals operating brazenly and without fear. According to Muzi Shabangu, a resident, the escalation of violent crime is tearing the community apart.
“Every morning, we wake up to the sound of gunfire or news of yet another car stolen. If it’s not a hijacking, it’s a home invasion. The most unsafe place to be right now is Ngwane Park,” Shabangu lamented.
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Shabangu believes crime in the area is fueled by poverty, segregation, and lack of law enforcement. He warns that without urgent intervention, the situation will spiral out of control.
A senior community member, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated that at least 10 cars are hijacked every week in Ngwane Park, while more than 10 people fall victim to armed robbery or sexual assault.
Mbekezeli Gule, another resident, pointed out that criminals often stage hijackings using cows to force drivers to stop.
“The most dangerous spot is the circle near OK Foods. Criminals place cows in the road to make drivers stop, then ambush them at gunpoint.
The only way to avoid it is to drive at high speed, especially in the early morning,” he said.
Gule added that despite community efforts to improve security, criminals continue to find new ways to trick victims into opening their doors or stopping their cars.
“We warn residents daily never to open your door at 4:00 a.m., no matter who it is. These criminals now pose as female vendors selling food just to get people to open up,” he cautioned.
Several victims shared their horrifying experiences of carjackings and home invasions.
Lungile Thwala – Hijacked at Her Gate
Lungile Thwala, a resident of Lwandle, lost her black Demio last week when she was ambushed as she drove out of her yard.
“It happened so fast. Three men appeared from nowhere, one banged on my window while another stood in front of my car with a gun. I had no choice but to get out,” she recalled.
Thwala lost not only her car but also her phone, bank cards, passport, and house keys everything she carried in her handbag.
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“I was locked out of my own house. I had to start my life from zero. My car is still missing,” she said.
Mayibongwe Dlamini – The ‘Vendor’ Trick
Mayibongwe Dlamini fell victim to the fake vendor scam, where criminals pose as early-morning traders.
“At 5:00 a.m., I heard a knock on my door.
A female voice said they were selling fat cakes. Since I was already up for work, I opened the door,” she said.
But instead of vendors, two masked men in black tracksuits forced their way inside.
“One grabbed me, and the other pressed a bush knife against my neck. They took everything—appliances, food, even the cash I had saved. All they needed was for me to open the door,” Dlamini said.
Another victim, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that she was also hijacked but was lucky to recover her car later that same day.
“Not everyone is that lucky. Some never see their cars again,” she said.
Community Police Chairman Boy Mhlambi confirmed that crime in Ngwane Park is escalating rapidly.
“Gunshots, robberies it’s becoming unbearable. In just one week, we record about six cases. Criminals are terrorizing residents, and it feels like a curse to live here,” he said.
Mhlambi urged residents to stay indoors after dark and avoid walking alone, particularly at month-end when crime spikes.
His concerns were echoed by another senior resident who praised residents for using social media to warn each other about hijackings and robberies.
“The crime rate is shocking. I encourage people to share information, walk in groups, and carry pepper spray. We need urgent action to stop this lawlessness,” said the resident.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Chief Police and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati stated that hijackings and robberies have always been an issue.
“It would be premature to say crime has increased because these cases have always been there. Some cars have been recovered, while others remain missing. Investigations are ongoing,” she said.
Despite this, reports indicate that hijackings along the Mhlaleni-Logoba route have been increasing, with many vehicles either disappearing completely or being found later with new number plates.
Meanwhile, Ezulwini residents have also reported a spike in armed robberies, with gang activity suspected to be linked to a criminal syndicate known as ‘AmaIraq’.
