Times Of Swaziland: PASSION KILLINGS IN ESWATINI: RISING TIDE OF VIOLENCE

PASSION KILLINGS IN ESWATINI: RISING TIDE OF VIOLENCE
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Nomsa Mbuli on 07/03/2025 11:02:00


PASSION killings, once considered a rare and tragic occurrence, have become
alarmingly frequent in Eswatini. Recent reports from the Times of Eswatini and
other sources of news reports highlight a disturbing trend where acts of
violence fuelled by emotions such as jealousy, anger and greed are claiming
lives at an alarming rate.
What was once primarily associated with romantic disputes has now expanded to
include conflicts between men and even family members over land and possessions.
According to police records and investigative reports, passion killings rooted
in romantic relationships continue to dominate headlines. In one recent case
reported by the Times of Eswatini, a young woman was found dead after her
partner allegedly stabbed her during a heated argument.
Confessed
The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, citing feelings of betrayal and
jealousy as his motivation. This tragic incident is just one example of how
unchecked emotions can spiral out of control, leading to devastating
consequences. Research and history have proven that the pattern we’re seeing
is that these crimes often stem from uncontrolled emotions.
Many perpetrators act impulsively without considering the long-term impact of
their actions. People, in general, are not taking care of their mental health so
they are quick to anger and quick to act, only to regret their actions later on.
While passion killings tied to love affairs remain prevalent, there has been a
noticeable rise in violent altercations between men, often triggered by petty
disagreements or perceived slights. In another report, two men were involved in
a fatal confrontation after exchanging insults at a local shebeen.
Wounded
One individual pulled out a knife, leaving the other fatally wounded. In another
incident, a man was stabbed to death by another in Shiselweni, also in a shebeen
after he tried to stop a fight between two other men and became the victim. Such
incidents underscore the growing ease with which violence escalates in everyday
situations. In other reports, guns have also taken centre stage as more people
are now able to obtain illegal guns and use them to scare or shoot others during
disagreements at taverns.
This shift indicates a broader societal issue where conflict resolution skills
are lacking. People now believe that, to solve a problem, they need to eliminate
the source of the problem, which is usually another person. It also does not
help that people have joined gangsterism and killing for ‘pride’; it pushes
them up the ranks in their gangs. We need to address this through education and
community programmes that promote healthy communication and emotional
regulation.
Perhaps most concerning is the increase in murders within families, driven by
disputes over inheritance, land and material possessions. In a shocking case
recently, a brother killed his sibling over a disagreement about dividing their
late parents’ property.  Similar cases have emerged across rural areas, where
traditional customs surrounding land ownership sometimes exacerbate tensions.
Experts agree that addressing the root causes of passion killings requires a
multi-faceted approach.
Strengthening law enforcement efforts to deter potential offenders is crucial,
but so too is fostering a culture of empathy and understanding within
communities. Counselling services, awareness campaigns and educational
initiatives could play pivotal roles in curbing this troubling trend.
We need to work together as a nation to combat this menace. Government cannot do
it alone, civil society organisations cannot do it alone and law enforcement
also needs efforts from the community. It starts with each one of us taking
responsibility for our actions and seeking peaceful solutions to our problems.
As Eswatini grapples with the escalating tide of passion killings, it is
imperative that all stakeholders - government, civil society and individuals -
unite to reverse this worrying trend. By promoting education, encouraging open
conversations about mental health and enforcing stricter penalties for violent
crimes, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
For now, the people of Eswatini are left to mourn those lost to senseless acts
of violence while hoping for meaningful change. Let us not wait until another
life is taken before acting to prevent future tragedies.