Manzini remains the country’s sexual offences hotspot after recording the highest number of pending rape cases during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs’ latest performance report shows that the Manzini Magistrate’s Court began the quarter with 273 rape cases before receiving another 50. Although prosecutors finalised 63 cases, another 260 remained pending by the end of last month.
The figures are significantly higher than other magistrate courts. Nhlangano recorded 89 brought-forward rape cases while Pigg’s Peak had four and Big Bend/Siphofaneni registered 19 new rape cases that were all still pending. The statistics are contained in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions’ sexual offences and domestic violence unit report.
Money laundering cases rise to 93
Prosecutors are dealing with a growing number of money laundering cases after pending investigations rose to 93 during the first quarter.
The anti-money laundering, transnational and organised crime unit started the quarter with 86 matters, received another 18 and finalised 11. According to the report, most money laundering prosecutions stem from fraud and tax evasion, with the unit working alongside other law enforcement agencies to tackle organised financial crime.
Dagga still dominates drug crime
Cannabis continues to dominate drug-related prosecutions in the country, accounting for virtually all cases handled by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The anti-drug unit recorded 438 new drug cases during the first quarter, of which 383 were finalised while 55 remained pending. The report states that cannabis accounts for 99% of all prosecutions, with cocaine and heroin making up only 1%.
Manzini recorded the highest number of new drug cases at 179, followed by Shiselweni with 124, Lubombo with 79 and Hhohho with 56.
