Mbabane — Senators have warned that low fines for serious offences are contributing to rising crime in the Kingdom of Eswatini, following the final passage of the Judiciary Bill, 2025.
During the Judiciary debate, lawmakers expressed concern that current legislation allows offenders to commit serious crimes, pay minimal fines, and avoid meaningful consequences. The senators argued that such penalties fail to deter criminal behaviour.
The debate coincided with the introduction of the Law Reform and Development Bill of 2025, which aims to replace outdated laws and establish a permanent commission responsible for reviewing legislation and adjusting penalties to reflect contemporary realities. The Bill will create Eswatini’s first multi-disciplinary Law Reform Commission tasked with modernising the country’s legal framework.
Deputy Senate President Ndumiso Mdluli highlighted the disproportion between crimes and penalties, citing that a person who steals E20,000 may face a fine of only around E3,000.
“This situation encourages and normalises criminality by imposing fines that are not appropriate,” he said.
Senator Prince Ngangabani added that conflicts arising from land disputes often go unresolved because fines remain trivial for landowners. He also noted that older laws, written heavily in English legal terminology, are difficult for ordinary citizens to understand, reinforcing the need for translation and modernization.
Several senators stressed the importance of a dedicated Law Reform Committee to expedite the revision of legislation. Senator Lizzie Nkosi noted that ministries and legislative drafters often take years to update laws.
“Now there will be a designated committee to address and amend laws,” she said, “giving citizens a clear office to approach when cases arise.”
Senator Chief Kekela emphasized the role of chiefs in ensuring that reforms align with local needs, while Senator Chief Magwagwa Mdluli described the legislation as long overdue.
“There are fines that are not relevant to today’s day and age. The reform is much needed,” he said.
The Judiciary Bill has now passed through the committee of the whole House and is set to be implemented, paving the way for more stringent penalties and an updated legal framework in Eswatini.
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