MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service has raised concern over a growing number of unsupervised children seen begging in towns across the Kingdom, including in Mbabane and Manzini, with some roaming the streets after dark without adult supervision.
In a public notice issued this week, the police said some of the children are being found in towns far from their homes, exposing them to danger and exploitation. Others are seen moving around in the evening hours without any responsible adult accompanying them.
“The Royal Eswatini Police Service has noted with concern the increasing number of unsupervised children begging on the streets. Some children can even be seen on the streets even after daylight and roam around in the dark without adult supervision while others are found in different towns from where they live,” the statement reads.
Police said the practice places minors at risk and compromises their safety and wellbeing. “The police strongly condemn this act of sending young children out without supervision, as such actions not only put children at risk but also undermines their safety and well being.”
Authorities reminded parents and guardians of their legal responsibilities under the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act. According to Section 49 of the Act, any person who causes or allows a child to be on any street or premises for the purpose of begging, receiving alms, selling items, or engaging in illegal hawking, lotteries or gambling commits an offence.
“According to Section 49 of the children’s protection and welfare act of 2012, any person who causes or procures any child or, being a person having the care of a child, allows that child to be on any street, premises or place for the purposes of begging, receiving alms, and offering anything for sale or carrying out illegal hawking, lotteries, gambling or other illegal activities detrimental to the health, welfare and educational advancement of the child, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand E10 000 Emalangeni or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.”
The police urged communities to take collective responsibility in protecting children and to report cases where minors are exposed to unsafe environments. For assistance, members of the public may dial 999, 9999 or 112.
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