Africa-Press – Eswatini. The sound of marching boots echoed across the Matsapha Police Academy as 192 fresh-faced officers stood in perfect formation, marking the start of a new chapter in Eswatini’s fight against crime.
But this year’s Police Day celebrations carried an extra note of triumph, the nation is safer than it has been in years.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced that the country has recorded some of its steepest declines in serious crime, with armed robbery cases dropping by an astonishing 47%, murders down 6.1%, and housebreaking and theft as well as general robberies falling by over 11%. The achievement, he said, is the result of visible policing, proactive public education, and strong community partnerships.
Community-Centred Policing Pays Off
Central to the success has been the Police Service’s renewed focus on working hand-in-hand with the public. Through the Nkwe Programme of Action, officers have engaged communities across the nation in crime prevention campaigns, supported by businesses and civic organizations. New satellite police posts and one-stop service centres have brought law enforcement closer to people’s doorsteps, improving both trust and responsiveness.
World Vision Eswatini, Micro Projects, and Ubombo Sugar have also contributed significantly by rehabilitating police infrastructure in strategic areas, enabling quicker responses and more effective policing.
Road Safety Milestones
Beyond crime prevention, Eswatini has also achieved a 5.9% reduction in fatal road accidents and a 3.2% drop in serious crashes, thanks to increased traffic patrols and awareness campaigns. The Prime Minister extended special gratitude to Gauteng’s Department of Community Safety for helping capacitate local traffic officers with advanced accident scene reconstruction and road audit skills.
A Safer, Stronger Eswatini
While challenges like stock theft and fraud still require focused intervention, the overarching trend points to a safer nation. The government is reinforcing crime-fighting strategies, while also addressing police wellness and preparing for international peacekeeping roles.
“Eswatini’s progress shows that when the police and the public stand together, safety is not just a dream, it becomes a reality,” the PM said, applauding the 192 newly graduated officers ready to serve the nation.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
