Crime Wave Subsides: Police Report 7% Drop in Incidents
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has reported a notable 7 per cent decrease in crime rates over the past year, a development that reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and community well-being.
This statement was made during the Police Day event held on Friday, where the Prime Minister acknowledged the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating crime.
“Your Majesty, while we observe and appreciate that the Police have recorded a 7 per cent decrease in crime volumes and managed to suppress some serious crimes in the past year, stock theft and fraud cases continue to be a menace in our society, with an 18.9 per cent and 11.1 per cent incline, respectively,” the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasised that strategies are being implemented and strengthened to address these pressing concerns, highlighting recent stock protection campaigns organised by the Police in Mhlambanyatsi and Siteki.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the decline in serious crimes, noting significant reductions in various categories: Armed Robbery decreased by 47 per cent, Murder by 6.1 per cent, House Breaking and Theft by 11.5 per cent, and Robberies by 11.8 per cent.
“This decline is a direct result of reinforced policing through strategies including visible policing, public educational programs, and partnerships with various stakeholders in the crime-fighting value chain,” he explained.
In addition to tackling traditional crime, the Prime Minister commended the Police for their efforts in improving road safety. “The Police have also achieved positive results from their round-the-clock visibility on the country’s roads, as well as awareness campaigns, as indicated by a 5.9 per cent decrease in fatal road accidents and a 3.2 per cent decrease in serious accidents,” he added.
The Police Day event also marked the graduation of 192 new officers, comprising 121 males and 71 females, who formed the Guard of Honour.
These recruits have undergone extensive training at the Ngonini Operational Support Service Unit (OSSU) base, where they were equipped with skills in various police technical and tactical specialities.
Their training included general policing, law enforcement, common law and statutes, as well as drill and physical training, preparing them for active service to His Majesty and the nation, as enshrined in Section 189 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, particularly to Nonsikelelo Sisulu, for her support in enhancing the capabilities of traffic officers through training in Road Audit Skills and Accident Scene Reconstruction. Highlighting the evolving nature of crime, the Prime Minister remarked on the necessity for the Police Service to adapt to rapid technological advancements.
“Your Majesty, the rapid technological changes in the world have brought with them more white-collar crime, requiring the Police Service to be up-skilled in digital technology and innovation.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) to keep the Police Service abreast of developments in this sector,” he stated.
Addressing the mental health challenges faced by officers, the Prime Minister acknowledged the troubling rise in suicides within the Police Service. He outlined critical steps being taken to support the health and wellness of police members, including the decentralisation of Chaplaincy and Psychotherapy services.
In line with the country’s commitment to peace support operations, the Prime Minister announced that the Royal Eswatini Police Service is scheduled for deployment in Mogadishu, Somalia.
“Government will support this program and ensure that individual Police officers (IPOs) are deployed,” he confirmed. The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.
“In line with the ‘Nkwe’ Programme of Action, the Police Service has prioritised the active participation, collaboration, and cooperation of the public in executing various transformational social protection programs.
Several crime prevention campaigns were hosted around the country, challenging communities, various agencies, and the business sector to pool resources to fight and eliminate crime in society,” he said.
Furthermore, the Police Service has developed short- and medium-term plans aimed at rekindling relationships with communities through service excellence.
The establishment of fully functional satellite Police Posts in Mankayane town, Phonjwane, and Mhlambanyatsi Inkhundla, as well as a One-Stop Centre at Maphalaleni, demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting organisational policy objectives.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to key stakeholders such as World Vision Eswatini, Micro Projects, and Ubombo Sugar for their contributions to the acquisition and rehabilitation of equipment and infrastructure at Ndunayithini, Sandlane, and Big Bend.
These efforts are expected to enhance the quality of Police services and bring them closer to the communities they serve.
