Times Of Swaziland: NATCOM REVEALS SHOCKING CRIME INCREASE: DRUG TRAFFICKING UP 59.1% NATCOM REVEALS SHOCKING CRIME INCREASE: DRUG TRAFFICKING UP 59.1% ================================================================================ Stanley Khumalo on 29/11/2024 09:36:00 MBABANE – As there are mounting concerns over public safety, there has been a staggering 59.1 per cent surge in drug trafficking alongside a 15 per cent overall increase in crime. National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police Vusi Manoma Masango did not mince his words when he shared the statistics on the state of crime in the country. He said this at an event held at Matsanjeni South, marking the end of the year’s ‘National Crime Prevention and Road Accident Prevention Campaign’. The event was attended by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, who is also the Minister responsible for police affairs, the Minister for Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, Cabinet Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart, senior government officials along with police officers. It was also attended by the Shiselweni Regional Administrator, Bantfwabenkhosi, chiefs and other traditional leaders. Also present were Members of Parliament (MPs) and the business community. Communities Masango said: “Crime continues to instil fear in our communities. It affects the quality of life and threatens the success and sustainability of our country’s socio-economic environment.” The NATCOM, who in his five months in office has been seen at different instances rolling up his sleeves and being on the ground, said the overall crime statistics for the period January 2024 to date stand at 48 452 compared to 42 209 during the same period in 2023. This, he said, reflects a 15 per cent increase in reported crimes. Masango said serious crimes have risen by 2 per cent, which highlighted the urgent need for effective strategies to tackle persistent crimes such as murder, rape, stock theft and copper theft. “We must acknowledge ongoing challenges, such as stock theft, which has increased by 3 per cent and drug trafficking, which has surged by 59.1 per cent compared to 2023,” he said. Also, the NATCOM said road accidents significantly impacted Eswatini’s economy, with 5 434 crashes recorded between January and October 2024, compared to 5 706 in 2023. He said fatal accidents decreased from 152 to 122, while serious accidents dropped slightly from 401 to 379. Masango said road deaths also saw a reduction, with 134 fatalities this year compared to 184 last year (-0.28 per cent). “Men and women, crucial to the country’s economy, remain the primary victims,” he said.Despite the gloomy picture painted by the hike in some crimes, Masango called upon the nation to celebrate progress in the Shiselweni Region, which he said, has made commendable strides in homicides. The NATCOM said the homicides were reduced by 31 per cent and rape cases dropped by 6.8 per cent in the Shiselweni Region. Despite these reductions in certain crimes, Masango said police must confront the reality of violent crimes such as murder, gender-based violence (GBV), armed robberies and rape, which continue to plague the nation. Masango said another major issue is copper theft, which has become a severe economic burden. He said this crime does not just impact the companies involved, but affects other sectors of the economy as well. “I appeal to community members and scrap yard owners; if you notice any suspicious activities, please report them to the police immediately.” The NATCOM said sexual and GBV crimes were also a thorn in the flesh of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). These incidents, he said, occurred far too frequently, resulting in alarmingly high figures. Masango pleaded with families and communities to report these cases without hesitation. He said the law cannot take its course if such cases are hidden. “Now, more than ever, emaSwati must unite with the police to fight this scourge of crime. It is not just the police’s responsibility—it is the responsibility of every one of us. Criminals live among us. We see them; we know them. Let us refuse to be silent. Report crimes! Work together with us,” he pleaded. Masango said community vigilance is key and there is a need for a culture of neighbourhood watch. He urged communities to report suspicious activities and to refuse to buy stolen goods. The NATCOM appealed to communities and the police to hold each other accountable.