Crime in Eswatini

Crime patterns in Eswatini vary by place and situation. Reported priorities include theft, housebreaking, fraud, commercial crime, cyber scams, sexual and domestic violence, child abuse and stock theft, which is particularly relevant in rural areas. Casual theft, pickpocketing and muggings can occur around town and city edges, especially after dark. Armed robbery and carjacking occur sporadically and can involve lethal force. Risk may increase before Christmas. Use extra caution after dark in downtown Mbabane and Manzini, keep cash, jewellery and other valuables discreet, and do not confront an armed offender. Protests, road safety and natural hazards belong to other safety areas, except where they affect an immediate crime response. The FY2024/25 official Budget Speech reported a 7% reduction in crime volume and a 14.5% reduction in premeditated crime, while the Royal Eswatini Police Service set a target of a further 3% reduction through community-oriented policing. These figures do not provide a complete public national prevalence ranking. A single national agency responsible for all crime matters was not identified. The main formal institution is REPS, whose duties include preserving public peace, preventing and detecting crime, apprehending offenders and collecting evidence. Community first response and referrals may also involve Luhlomble Lokukhalela, bandlancane, Community Police and community-based or nongovernmental organisations, but these arrangements are mainly informal and their availability can vary. Call 999 for an immediate police emergency. The general toll-free emergency number is 112; the fire service uses 933 and ambulance services use 977. For an ordinary incident without immediate danger, report it to the nearest REPS station. Local station numbers are published by the Eswatini Government. Preserve photographs, messages, screenshots, call logs, transaction records and other evidence, and avoid altering or deleting original files. A typical criminal case moves from a report to a REPS investigation, then to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for prosecution and, where applicable, to a Magistrates Court or the High Court. A criminal case has no guaranteed completion period. Court or registry fees may apply for particular documents. The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 2018 covers rape, incest, sexual assault, stalking, commercial sexual exploitation, child sexual abuse and grooming, electronic procurement of children, child pornography, sexual harassment and domestic violence. A witness, informant or person with reasonable grounds to suspect a reportable sexual offence must report it to the police or another relevant structure. Breaching a mandatory reporting duty can attract a fine of up to E1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. Coercing someone to suppress or withdraw a sexual-offence report can attract a fine of up to E25,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is the preferred police contact for gender-based violence and related cases where available. Police should inform victims about counselling and support, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), investigate the case, assist with medical care and shelter, provide rights information and take victim or witness statements. Police can apply for a Protection Order. Outside normal hours, an application for an Interim Protection Order can be sent by phone, fax or radio to the on-duty Magistrate. A protection order is enforceable throughout Eswatini, and restrictions apply to publishing a victim's identity. No official general fee schedule for these services was located. Support for victims remains fragmented. The Department of Social Welfare provides counselling and guidance and services for abused people and children. The national response strategy links law enforcement, health care, legal services, social welfare, child protection and civil society, with medical care, psychosocial support and places of safety forming the intended package. Shelter rollout has been slow, and access differs by area. Traumalink lists a 24-hour number at +268 76060911. No unified national victim hotline was verified. A 2022 Violence Against Children and Youth survey found lifetime violence exposure among people aged 13 to 24 of 25.5% for females and 31.7% for males; reported sexual violence was 8.1% for females and 3.3% for males, while physical violence was 10.5% for females and 23.2% for males. A child is under 18. No verified national child helpline was located. Child cases may use a statement or video-recorded interview, a support person and vulnerable-witness safeguards, and prosecutors may refer a child for court preparation. The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act 2022 covers illegal access or interception, data interference, computer fraud and forgery, phishing, cyber-harassment, child pornography and cyberterrorism. The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) serves as the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCA). The National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NCIRT) can be contacted at +268 2406 7000 or info@ncsirt.org.sz. Report a digital incident to REPS and the cybersecurity authorities. If someone impersonates a bank or police officer through WhatsApp, Google Meet or an online call, contact the bank immediately to secure the account, change credentials, monitor transactions and preserve evidence. In 2023, more than 330 cybercrime cases were reported to REPS, with reported losses of about E8.17 million; only 10 reports used the online portal. Law enforcement can issue a preservation notice for up to 28 days, with a possible court extension. ESCCOM reports have also identified gaps in REPS capacity for digital investigation and evidence handling. Specialised DPP units cover general crimes, anti-corruption, fraud and transnational crimes, domestic and sexual offences, extradition and mutual legal assistance, organised crime, stock theft, game and flora offences, asset forfeiture, cybercrime and cybersecurity, and drugs. Suspected corruption can be reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) through its Report Centre hotline at 8003500. Submissions may be anonymous or identified. Organised crime and asset-recovery matters can involve REPS, the DPP, ACC, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Assets Recovery Committee. A complaint about police conduct can be made orally or in writing to the National Commissioner. If there is no response within a reasonable time, a dissatisfied complainant can approach the relevant Commission; the 14-day decision period found in the Police Service Act applies to specified Commission recommendations, not to every public complaint.