PASSION KILLINGS IN ESWATINI: RISING TIDE OF VIOLENCE

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.

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