The country recorded a 4.6 per cent increase in crime during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, with police expressing concern over rising cases of murder, robbery, copper theft and housebreaking.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) first-quarter performance report, covering the period from April to June, the overall crime volume increased from 13 604 cases recorded during the same period last year to 14 237 cases this year.
The report indicates that murder cases increased from 31 to 34, representing a 9.7 per cent rise.
Armed robbery also increased significantly, with 52 cases recorded compared to 44 during the corresponding period last year, reflecting an 18.2 per cent increase.
Robbery cases rose slightly from 486 to 500, an increase of 2.9 per cent, while copper theft increased by 4.1 per cent, from 418 cases to 435.
Housebreaking and theft cases also increased, with 1 570 incidents reported compared to 1 530 during the same period last year, representing a 2.6 per cent increase.
Despite the overall increase in crime, the police reported declines in several offences, including fraud, stock theft, motor vehicle theft and car robbery.
The service attributed the reductions to intensified policing strategies, including visible policing, public education campaigns and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders.
The report, however, indicated that murder, copper wire theft, robbery and housebreaking remained areas of concern, with police pledging to intensify interventions to curb the crimes.
“It has been observed with concern that a notable number of murder cases emanate from domestic violence and sexual-related offences. During the period under review, out of the 34 murder cases reported, 14 emanated from domestic violence and/or intimate relationships, in which nine females were killed,” reads the report.
Police said a number of intervention strategies, including public awareness campaigns, were being implemented to address gender-based violence.
The report also revealed that men continue to be victims of gender-based violence, with five males killed in GBV-related incidents during the reporting period.
Police further expressed concern over the continued increase in copper wire and other non-ferrous metal theft, saying the crime damages critical infrastructure and negatively affects the country’s economy and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, livestock theft declined by 37.1 per cent during the reporting period.
“Though there has been a remarkable decrease, cattle theft remains a thorn in the lives of Emaswati, as cattle continue to be a major source of livelihood and an important contributor to the country’s economy,” the report states.
42 DIE BY SUICIDE
A total of 66 people remain missing in the country while 42 people died by suicide and 11 others drowned between April and June this year.
The figures are contained in the Royal Eswatini Police Service first-quarter performance report, which was tabled and debated in Parliament on Thursday.
According to the report, missing persons continue to pose a significant security concern, as investigations have linked some cases to crimes such as human trafficking, murder and suicide.
During the reporting period, police received 144 reports of missing persons. Of these, 70 people were found alive, eight dead, while 66 remain unaccounted for, with investigations continuing.
Police also described suicide as a serious social challenge, revealing that 42 people took their own lives during the quarter.
Of the victims, 28 were men and 14 were women.
The report attributes the suspected causes of suicide to stress, unemployment, chronic illness, domestic abuse and social isolation.
Police further recorded 11 drowning incidents during the reporting period.
The victims drowned in various circumstances, including while swimming, bathing, falling into rivers, drowning in pit latrines and being found floating in dams and rivers.
