By NOKUPHILA HAJI | 2024-11-29

THE crime rate has increased by 15 per cent in the country, bringing the total number of reported cases from January to yesterday to 48 452.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini revealed that in 2023, there were 42 209 cases reported in the same period (January to November 28).

“There is indeed an increase in crime rate, which is worrying. Serious crimes also increased by two per cent,” he said during the end-of-year crime and road accident prevention campaign and launch of the 2024 festive season safety operations at Matsanjeni sports ground yesterday.

The festive operations are under the theme; ‘we are at your service as the police to be a safety and security buffer for the nation in partnership with stakeholders’.

Dlamini said this was an indication that effective strategies were required to deal with persistent crimes such as murder, rape, stock theft and copper theft.

He applauded the Shiselweni region for reducing homicide and rape cases by 31 and 6.8 per cent, respectively.

However, the premier said the challenge still remained with stock theft and drug trafficking in this region, which increased by three and 59.1 per cent when compared to the same period (January to date) in 2023.

He said crime undermined societal values, delayed economic growth, and wore down trust within communities.  He said in order to combat this, government remained committed to supporting robust crime prevention strategies.

“Success requires collective action from every citizen, community leader, and stakeholders,” he said.

Dlamini said their approach to mitigating crime included strengthened law enforcement, community engagement, and addressing crime in its root cause.

He said through this, they aimed at cultivating a society where crime was not tolerated, but where every individual would be empowered to uphold safety in their communities.

“The festive season often sees a rise in crime and road accidents,” he said.
On that note, National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango said crime continued to instill fear in communities. He said it affected the quality of life and threatened success and sustainability of the country’s socio-economic environment.

He said there was another major issue prevalent in the Shiselweni region. He said the issue of copper theft had become a severe economic burden. He said this crime did not just impact the companies involved, but also other sectors of the economy.

“I appeal to community members and scrapyard owners that if they notice any suspicious activities, they should report it to the police immediately,” he said.

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