MANZINI DRUG LORDS UNDER INTENSE PROBE

MBABANE – A high-stakes investigation has been launched into the activities of two prominent drug lords operating within Manzini.

The investigation follows serious allegations of police complicity and widespread community concern.

The investigation comes after Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya raised the alarm over Manzini’s burgeoning status as a drug hub, accusing certain individuals of operating with impunity.

Notably, she highlighted a foreign national and a well-known local woman, both alleged to have been deeply involved in drug trafficking for an extended period, seemingly untouchable by law enforcement. “Manzini seems to be becoming a drug hub,” Senator Ngwenya stated during a Senate committee session.  

Concern

“What is particularly concerning is the apparent lack of concern from the police, as even when reports are made, no arrests are carried out. There are drug lords in Manzini who have been operating for years.”

Concerns are particularly heightened regarding the foreign national’s alleged residence near Manzini Central High School, raising fears that pupils may be among their clientele.

Investigations reveal these drug lords are suspected of dealing in cocaine, brown sugar and rock. Additionally, the woman drug lord is said to operate from the Fairview area.

Adding fuel to the fire, suspicions are rampant that these drug lords have informants within the police force. Sources, including recovering drug addicts and concerned residents, report that police raids consistently come up empty-handed, despite credible tip-offs. This pattern suggests that the suspects are receiving advance warnings, allowing them to conceal their illicit activities.

Senator Ngwenya expressed deep concern over the destructive impact of these drugs on the community. “It is disheartening to see that while these drug lords’ own children remain drug-free, they are destroying the lives of other people’s children,” she said. “Sadly, even the working class is becoming ensnared by the drugs sold by these individuals. Some end up seeking shelter at our doors after becoming heavily intoxicated.” The  prime minister (PM), who also holds the portfolio of minister for police, acknowledged the gravity of the situation in written responses to the Senate.

“The senator’s observations are acknowledged and appreciated. This matter is currently under intensive police investigation and scrutiny,” the PM stated. In addition to the drug trafficking allegations, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini raised concerns about public perception of corruption within the police ranks, particularly in major cities like Mbabane and Manzini.

She questioned how the police intend to address the perception that some officers are ‘in the pockets’ of certain individuals. The PM addressed these concerns, stating: “The senator has rightly identified this as a perception. It is a perception that the police will investigate to ascertain if there is any truth to such claims. Nevertheless, the police service, as an entity, maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of corruption within its ranks,” the PM stated.

The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the drug operations in Manzini and the alleged involvement of corrupt elements within the police force, as authorities work to restore public trust and dismantle the criminal network.

An investigation that was conducted by this publication in 2017, revealed that hard core drugs, cocaine and heroin, are sold openly like a packet of snacks in Manzini.

Streets

During the publication’s investigation, reporters took to the streets of the country’s hub and visited two popular joints, where there were allegations of hard core drugs being sold. This yielded a discovery that cocaine was being sold between E100 and E400, while heroin retailed at E50.

 A visit to one of the joints at Makholweni, a location under the Manzini North Constituency, landed us at a dingy block of flats run by Tanzanian nationals. These flats are just a five minutes drive from the Manzini Bus Rank and it is where a group of foreign nationals sell a variety of drugs.

Two reporters from this publication were able to buy a sloop of ‘rock’ and another of cocaine. The cocaine was wrapped in a foil sachet while the rock was wrapped in an orange plastic bag. These retailed at E100 and E50 respectively. Outside the block of flats, sits a group of men – oblivious to their surroundings.

The reporters further visited another popular joint among the junkies at Zakhele Township. This drug den is located across from the Royal Eswatini Police Service camp. This is where over 200 police officers reside. It is also located about two hundred metres away from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), where offenders are rehabilitated while it also houses those awaiting their trial dates.
Addiction
According to sources, the drugs are usually trafficked from Mozambique to South Africa through the various border posts of the country.

According to a health expert, drug addiction significantly impacts society, affecting not only young people but also families, communities and economic systems.  “It contributes to increased healthcare costs, crime rates and lost productivity. Families often face emotional and financial strain, while communities may experience higher rates of violence and social instability,” said the health expert.

 She highlighted that the healthcare system bears a heavy burden due to the need for treatment services, emergency care and long-term health complications associated with substance abuse.

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