Family survives hail of bullets in Big Bend

By Thokozani Mazibuko

Police in Big Bend are investigating an attempted murder case after a family of six narrowly escaped death in a late-night shooting at the Mahlabaneni area on Saturday.

The incident occurred around 2030 hours on November 8, 2025, when the family was returning home from an outing. According to police reports, as they approached their homestead, gunmen opened fire, riddling the house with bullets in what investigators believe was a planned attack.

“Four shots were fired through the house window, but fortunately, no one was injured,” said Deputy Police Information and Communication Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni in an official statement.

Mnguni said early investigations suggest that the assailant or assailants were waiting outside the family’s property before opening fire. A 16-year-old boy, who was walking slightly behind his family at the time, told police he heard the gunfire but could not identify the shooter.

“The shots came from outside the fence,” he said, indicating that the attacker may have been lurking nearby.

Police have not yet established a motive, and no arrests have been made. Mnguni said the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is pursuing all leads and has appealed to the public for assistance.

“Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect or suspects is urged to contact Lubombo RCBO Mr. Justice Mabuza at 7606 8572, Desk Officer Inspector Dlamini at 7628 2166, or the Big Bend Police Station at 2363 6416,” she said.

Members of the public may also dial 999, 9999, or 112 in case of emergencies.

Police patrols have reportedly been intensified in the area as residents express concern over the attack, which has left the Mahlabaneni community shaken.