Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), alongside visiting officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Mozambique Police, joined hands in a major public awareness campaign aimed at tackling stock theft and improving child safety in the Lubombo Region.
The event, held at Siteki Sports Ground on July 4, 2025. It highlighted the growing regional cooperation in combating Transnational Organised Crime (TOC).
The event began with a symbolic march from Ntamakuphila to the sports ground, led by the National Commissioner of Police, William Vusie Manoma Masango accompanied by his executive team, visiting police officials from Mozambique and South Africa, and a range of other dignitaries.
Speaking during the event, the National Commissioner reported alarming crime statistics in the Lubombo Region. “From January to May 2025, police recorded over 592 crime reports totaling E5.3 million in losses. Of these, 424 cases were related to cattle theft worth E4.6 million, while 368 goats worth over E500 000 were stolen,” he revealed.
The commissioner emphasized the urgent need to strengthen bilateral cooperation among the Royal Eswatini Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Mozambique Police to curb Transnational Organised Crime (TOC). “Stock theft, human trafficking, smuggling of firearms and drugs must be tackled through collective intelligence and collaboration,” he said.
On child safety, the Commissioner affirmed REPS’ commitment to working with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Education to ensure maximum protection for children in all spaces.
Traditional leader Chief Jozane kaLanga echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments and called upon parents and guardians to be proactive in teaching children the difference between right and wrong.
“Parents must tell their children that stealing is not a good thing. Even if it’s just picking someone else’s goat, it is still wrong,” said the chief. He further urged the community to take responsibility for educating all children not just their own. “Even if you did not give birth to them, warn them when they are going astray. That is how we build a better Eswatini.” The campaign concluded with community engagements and educational exhibitions by law enforcement agencies.
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