Swaziland has been labelled one of the world’s hotspots
for crime, in a
report published by the United States Government.
Gangs armed with knives or firearms roam the streets of
the cities looking for houses to break into, while residents live barricaded
behind ‘perimeter walls, security guards, dogs, security lighting, window
grills, and alarm systems with security response teams […] essential for
ensuring the safety of residents’.
Burglaries and home invasions occur frequently. Gangs
have been known to break into homes while the residents are still at home.
Pedestrians cannot walk the streets in safety and
robberies take place in broad daylight. Motorists are stopped on the roads and
robbed.
Swaziland’s autocratic ruler King Mswati III and his
supporters constantly say the kingdom is a place of peace. The king, in
particular, tells the international community that all is well in his kingdom
and his subjects are happy and contented.
A report from the United States Department of State contradicts
that picture. It says streets, public parks, roads, homes, restaurants and
hotel rooms are not safe.
The US Department of State has designated Swaziland as a ‘Critical
Threat Crime Post’.
In a report called
Overall Crime and Safety Situation in Swaziland it says, ‘Criminals consider
Mbabane, the capital city, and Manzini, Swaziland’s urban industrial center,
prime grounds for operation due to the number of people, businesses, and
affluent areas.
‘Additionally, crime affects urban and rural areas due to
limited police assets.
‘Criminals will resort to force if necessary, including
deadly force, in order to accomplish their goal. Gangs are not deterred
by confrontations with their intended victims. Car-jackings are not
common, but they occasionally occur. Crime increases dramatically during
the holiday season.
The report written by US government’s Overseas Security
Advisory Council (OSAC) is intended as guidance to Americans visiting
Swaziland.
It says, ‘Congested urban areas are particularly
dangerous at night; although, daytime larceny is not uncommon. The
presence of other pedestrians on the street should not be taken as an
indication of a secure or safe environment.
‘Many victims report being robbed in broad daylight in
the presence of witnesses.
‘Mob justice exists in Swaziland; suspects can find
themselves pursued and beaten by by-standers.
‘Pedestrians are cautioned not to wear jewelry or carry
expensive items in plain view. It is not advisable to display large
amounts of cash, flashy jewelry, expensive clothing items, or cellular
telephones.
‘Walking around at night, either alone or in a group, is
strongly discouraged.’
The report says, ‘Most residents in Swaziland take
residential security seriously and attempt to protect their homes
accordingly. Perimeter walls, security guards, dogs, security lighting,
window grills, and alarm systems with security response teams are essential for
ensuring the safety of residents. Burglaries and home invasions occur
frequently.
‘Gangs, armed with knives or firearms, target homes they
suspect possess cash or valuables. Criminals have been known to enter
residences while the occupants are home.’
The report says that Manzini, Swaziland’s largest city, ‘is
notorious for criminal activity’.
It says, ‘The bus rank in Manzini, which most inter-city
transportation must pass through before traveling throughout the country, is
routinely cited as being dangerous.’
The report warns motorists to keep doors of vehicles
locked and windows rolled up at all times when driving in Swaziland..
‘Do not roll down your window in the event someone
approaches your vehicle. Ignore persons outside your vehicle, and drive
away if you feel uncomfortable. While stopped in urban traffic, continue
to scan rearview mirrors to identify potential trouble.’
It adds, ‘Do not stop your vehicle if you encounter rocks
or logs in the middle of the road. This is a technique used in Swaziland
and South Africa for robbers to force vehicles to stop. Either drive
around the barriers or turn around. Do not stop to assess the situation.
‘Keep belongings out of plain view at all times.
While idling at a light or stop sign, leave adequate space between your vehicle
and the one in front of you so that you can quickly depart should the need
arise. Park only in well-lit areas, preferably in parking lots with a
security guard.’
The Swazi police are slow to respond to incidents, if
they respond at all, the report says.
‘Swazi police consider a 30 minute response time
adequate, even in urban areas. Police are generally willing to assist but
often lack the transportation and resources to properly investigate crimes.’
The report paints a picture of constant danger of crime
in Swaziland. In tips to visitors on how to avoid becoming a victim, it says, ‘Most
crimes that occur in Swaziland are crimes of opportunity. The criminals
are generally interested in cellular phones and cash.
‘Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings
and maintain visual/physical contact with their belongings. Avoid walking
alone, particularly after dark.
‘Travel in groups. Never hail a taxi that has
passengers already in the car. If you take a taxi, ensure it is a
reputable taxi. Dining establishments have been robbed late at night when
there are few diners in the restaurant.’
It adds, ‘The most reoccurring crimes involve robbing
victims on the streets, particularly in residential areas, regardless of the
time of day. Residential break-ins are very common throughout Swaziland,
even when the tenants are in the home. Most residential break-ins occur
at houses without security guards and/or centrally monitored home alarms.
Criminals often perpetrate such robberies using edged weapons, e.g., a knife or
machete, and occasionally firearms.’
It tells visitors to avoid parks in Mbabane, the Swazi
capital. ‘In particular, Coronation Park should be avoided at night and only
visited as a group (more than two people) during daylight hours.
‘This is often the rally point for marches and
demonstrations. At night, criminals have been known to loiter in the
park. As a general rule, visitors should avoid night clubs and walking
around any town after dark to minimize the risk of being victimized.’