The number of rapes
reported in Swaziland (eSwatini) more than doubled in a three-month period. Violent crime is on a steady increase and house breaking and theft have also risen,
according to an official report just published.
The number of rapes rose from
111 cases to 241 cases, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Performance
Report for the second quarter ending 30 September 2019 stated.
The statistics contradict
the message often voiced by absolute monarch King Mswati III that Swaziland is
a ‘peaceful’ kingdom.
The eSwatini
News
(formerly Swazi News)
reported, ‘Violent crime is on a steady increase in the country as communities
have to grapple with murder and armed robberies each day. House breaking and
theft has also increased rapidly.’
The REPS report stated armed
robbery had also doubled from 36 in the previous reporting period to 50. House
breaking and robberies rose from 1,420 to 1,430.
A separate report released in March 2019 from the United States Overseas
Security Advisory Council stated, ‘There is serious risk from crime in Mbabane.
Although criminals consider Mbabane and Manzini prime grounds for operation due
to the number of people, businesses, and affluent areas, the rate of crime
reported in small towns and rural areas continues to increase.’
The report is
published annually to guide US diplomats working in Swaziland. It warned,
‘Urban areas are particularly dangerous at night; do not interpret the presence
of pedestrians as an indication of a secure/safe environment.
‘Residential
burglary and petty theft are the most commonly reported crimes, occurring at
all locations regardless of time. Criminals are generally interested in
electronic devices and cash.
‘Most break-ins
occur at homes without security guards and/or centrally monitored home alarm
systems. Perimeter walls, security guards, window grilles, and centrally
monitored alarm systems supported by security response teams are essential to
ensure the safety of residents and homes.
‘Although
residential guard dogs commonly serve as a deterrent, they should not be a
residence’s only line of defense. The general modus operandi of robbers is to
target residences or businesses that have little/no security measures in place.
‘Criminals
usually brandish edged weapons (e.g. knives or machetes), but the use of
firearms has steadily increased in the past few years. While criminals
generally rely on the threat of force to commit crimes, they will resort to
physical, to include deadly, force if victims resist. While the murder rate
remains lower than some African countries, Eswatini experiences violent deaths
on a frequent basis; some have been particularly gruesome. Victims have been
decapitated, with body parts mutilated or removed.’
See also
More
crime fears in Swaziland
Swaziland
a world hotspot for crime
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