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By Crime Watch | 2024-09-18
The Royal Eswatini Police Service’s commitment to crime prevention extends even to the protection of the environment and endangered wildlife.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, speaking during a crime prevention event held at kaShoba under the Mpolonjeni inkhundla last Thursday said wildlife was a critical asset for the future of the country hence poaching, particularly of the endangered wildlife, is a serious crime that threatened Eswatini’s biodiversity, tourism industry and national pride.
Dlamini, who was represented by Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, said the winning strategy to curbing poaching in the country include the establishment of a dedicated anti-poaching unit within the police service, strengthening of legislation, community involvement and international collaboration.
Announce
The PM went on to announce the establishment of the Anti-Poaching Unit in REPS, that will be specially trained and equipped to combat poaching activities across the country.
“We will review and strengthen our existing wildlife protection laws, ensuring that they strike the right balance to ensure that indigenous wildlife, as well as commercial protected game and all citizens who interact with these animals are all protected and held accountable under the law.
Our Anti-poaching Unit will work closely with the judiciary to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”
Dlamini noted that just like any crime prevention initiative, the involvement of the community is key to preventing poaching. He said the REPS and other stakeholders will engage local communities in conservation efforts, providing them with education and alternative livelihoods to reduce the economic incentives for poaching.
Awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the consequences of poaching. He stated that poaching do not only affect the country only but it is a global issue that that requires international cooperation.
He said the police service will continue to strengthen partnerships with neighbouring countries, regional bodies, and international organisations to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and tackle cross-border poaching networks.
Responsible
The PM who is also the minister responsible for police affairs said crime threatens the fabric of society and disrupts the way of life in communities. He highlighted that it also undermines all family values and societal norms, stifles economic growth and erodes the trust that binds the nation together.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in the country, protection of life, property and application the rule of law fairly and firmly. Dlamini emphasised that crime prevention is not the responsibility of the government alone but it should be a collective effort that requires the participation of every citizen, community leader and organisation.
The REPS’s approach to crime prevention is multi-faceted, focusing on strengthening law enforcement, enhancing community engagement, and addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
The aim is to create an environment where crime is not tolerated and where every individual feels a sense of responsibility toward the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens.
National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango speaking during the event, said it is responsibility of all Emaswati to preserve and protect indigenous species and endangered wildlife as they are the national heritage of the Kingdom.
He said the establishment of the anti-poaching unit in the police service is a step to the right direction in terms of curbing poaching in the country.
Masango highlighted that crime continues to be unrelenting, causing fear in communities, it further affects the quality of life among citizens and threatens the success and sustainability of the country’s socio-economic environment. He said crime trends such as stock theft, theft of copper, drug abuse, Gender-based violence and gangsterism are rampant in areas under the Mpolonjeni constituency which was a cause for concern for the REPS.
He urged the community to step up and work together with the organization in preventing and fighting against crime.
He further expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the police service to the business community in the area and other stakeholders for their unwavering support of all initiatives of the REPS.
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