MBABANE – The porous fence along the perimeters of Eswatini with South Africa and Mozambique, at various intervals, is a hive of criminal activity.
This follows that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) raised concern over rising cases of livestock theft along the country’s borderlines.
Among a litany of criminal acts is the incident in which the army intercepted 35 stolen goats from three men from the Lubombo Region.
According to the UEDF, stolen livestock is often smuggled into the Republic of South Africa.
The three men were apprehended with the 35 goats at around 10pm on Wednesday at Goboyane in the Lubombo Region. The UEDF troops were reportedly on routine patrol when they intercepted a vehicle loaded with 35 goats heading towards the borderline.
The suspects were travelling in a Toyota GD6. The suspected stock thieves were identified as a 39-year-old male from the Ncandvweni in the Lubombo Region, who was also the driver of the vehicle; a 19-year-old male from the same; and a 18-year-old male from the Emkhalamfene, also in the Lubombo Region.
In a public statement issued by the UEDF’s Public Affairs Major Sandile Gwebu, the Office of the UEDF commander appreciated members of the community that are assisting the UEDF in curbing criminality of this nature and requested for continued support of the nation in this regard.
“On that very same vein the UEDF Commander sternly cautions against all criminality that happens along all boarder lines of the Kingdom. The UEDF Commander equally notes the dedication and devotion that the UEDF troops continue to render in protecting and defending the Kingdom of Eswatini,” read in part the statement.
Gwebu reported that the suspects had been handed over to law enforcement (Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS)).
Stock theft has been prevalent in recent weeks, with the most recent case involving two men who were shot dead following a police chase last Thursday.
Two suspected stock thieves were shot dead during a police operation after a high-speed vehicle chase and subsequent foot pursuit at Phonjwane, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred when officers attempted to stop a white Toyota Hilux suspected of transporting stolen livestock. The driver of the vehicle, which police said was carrying four pig carcasses, failed to stop when ordered, resulting in a chase along rural roads linking Gilgal, Phonjwane and neighbouring communities.
Police said the suspects later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. During the pursuit, two of the suspects were shot and later pronounced dead at Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital. Two other suspects managed to escape into nearby bush and are still being sought.
The REPS confirmed that the deceased suspects were aged 35 and 37 years and were both from Siphofaneni. Police further revealed that the two men were out on bail for stock theft-related offences allegedly committed in the same area.
Police have also reported that stock theft syndicates often slaughter animals immediately after stealing them in order to avoid detection, particularly pigs, goats and cattle, which are commonly sold through informal markets.
In many rural households, livestock represents years of investment and serves as a form of financial security. The loss of animals to theft can therefore have severe economic consequences, leaving families without income or food.
Police statistics over recent years have shown a steady rise in reported stock theft cases, particularly involving goats, cattle and pigs, despite a general decline in other crime categories.
The issue was highlighted by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini during the End of Year National Crime and Road Accident Prevention Campaign held on December 3, 2025, at the Ngculwini Sports Ground.
During the campaign, the prime minister, who also holds the police portfolio, identified stock theft as one of the most persistent crimes confronting the Royal Eswatini Police Service, alongside copper theft, murder and gender-based violence.
He noted that while overall crime levels had declined, stock theft continued to undermine rural livelihoods and food security, particularly in communities that rely heavily on livestock.
National crime statistics indicate that livestock valued at more than E20 579 140 was stolen between January and October 2025, highlighting the scale and economic impact of the crime.
Cattle, pigs and goats remain the most commonly targeted animals, with many cases believed to be linked to organised syndicates operating across different regions of the country.
Authorities believe that some syndicates exploit porous borders and informal markets to dispose of stolen meat, making investigations more complex and recovery more difficult.
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