When news broke that about E1.6 million had been stolen in a daring overnight break-in at an Eswatini Bank branch in Manzini, public attention focused on the money and the suspects.
However, behind those headlines lies a deeper story of vulnerability, fear and limited protection for the men and women tasked with guarding some of the country’s most valuable infrastructure.
For many security guards, the heist was not just another crime report — it was a reminder of how exposed they are every night.
Sabelo Dlamini, a night guard stationed at a commercial property in Manzini, said incidents like the bank break-in leave security guards unsettled because they know they are often the first targets.
Like many private security guards, Dlamini works 12-hour night shifts, often alone. He carries a baton, a torch and a two-way radio. He is not armed.
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“We have limited tools, minimal backup and high expectations in high-risk environments. When criminals arrive, they don’t fight cameras or buildings. They deal with the security guard first. You are the obstacle standing between them and the money,” Dlamini said.
Most guards assigned to financial institutions or retail complexes say they are trained to observe and report — not to engage in violent confrontation. Yet in practice, they are the first line of physical defence.
Thabo Mkhonta, who has worked in the private security sector for seven years, said the imbalance between risk and equipment was obvious.
“You guard a building that has millions inside, but you are given a baton and told to be alert. If a group of armed men arrives, what exactly are you supposed to do?” he questioned.
He said it would be better if panic systems were directly linked to police response units. In many cases, alarms are routed through private control rooms, which must then contact law enforcement — a process that can cost critical minutes.
“If criminals tie you up before you press anything, that’s it. You can only hope they don’t hurt you,” Mkhonta said.
The recent heist has reignited debate over whether security companies are adequately investing in equipment and manpower.
Security guards say cost considerations often determine how many officers are deployed per site and what tools they are given.
Several confirmed that single-guard night deployments are common — even at premises housing high-value assets.
Fatigue is another concern. Twelve-hour shifts, sometimes extended, require guards to remain alert during early morning hours when most break-ins occur.
Lungile Nkambule, one of the few female guards interviewed, said the psychological pressure is often overlooked.
After hearing about the bank incident, she struggled to sleep before her next shift.
“I kept thinking, what if it was me? What if the next break-in happens during my shift?” she said.
Nkambule added that trauma counselling is rarely offered in the industry. Guards who experience or witness violent incidents are typically expected to resume duty once investigations conclude.
“You come back because you need the salary, but mentally you are always on edge,” she said.
Modern security relies on layered systems — surveillance cameras, alarm integration, access control and response teams — yet the human guard remains the most visible and vulnerable layer.
Security contracts are often awarded through competitive tender processes where pricing plays a decisive role. Lower bids can limit companies’ ability to invest in advanced protective tools or additional personnel.
Security guards insist they are not asking to be turned into armed combat units. Instead, they are calling for:
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Stronger coordination with law enforcement
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Direct panic links to police response teams
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Improved communication systems
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Realistic staffing levels for high-risk assignments
Many argue that guarding financial institutions should require at least two security guards per shift, routine emergency drills and enhanced response integration.
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The bank heist has also raised broader questions about whether minimum standards for protecting critical financial infrastructure are sufficient in an era of increasingly sophisticated crime.
For now, little appears to have changed on the ground.
Each night, thousands of security guards report for duty across the country, positioned at gates, entrances and control points — fully aware that if criminals strike, they will be standing at the front.
As investigations into the Eswatini Bank break-in continue, public focus may remain on suspects and stolen millions.
But for security guards, the incident has reinforced a quieter reality: while they are tasked with protecting valuable property, their own protection often remains limited.
