Matsapha – The Royal Eswatini Police Service has recorded a 4.1% decline in volume crime for 2025, a development revealed by National Commissioner Manoma Vusi Masango during the Senior Police Officers and Senior Civilian Support Staff End-of-Year Conference held at the Matsapha Police Academy.
Masango revealed that 51 899 cases were registered this year, down from 54 104 in 2024, describing the reduction as a sign of progress in crime-fighting efforts. He noted, however, that several serious crime trends continue to demand urgent attention.
According to the National Commissioner, police dealt with over 1 600 stock theft cases worth more than E17 million, reflecting ongoing pressure from organised theft syndicates. He further reported two major stokvel theft cases involving E92 000, warning that criminals continue to exploit community savings schemes.
Masango also raised concern over escalating gang-related activity, reporting that nine people lost their lives to gangsterism this year. He said the rise in violent group conflicts requires a sharper policing response to prevent communities from being overrun by criminal networks.
Opening the conference on behalf of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala applauded the Police Service for creating a platform to reflect on the year’s performance. He described the process as essential for maintaining national safety, adding that the peace and stability of the country rests heavily on the shoulders of the Police Service.
He further encouraged officers to intensify efforts to stop criminal elements from gaining ground, emphasising that the country cannot allow syndicates and violent groups to entrench themselves.
The conference, which is an annual event, brings together senior officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent and above, as well as senior civilian support staff. The gathering is used to assess progress, review crime patterns, discuss policing challenges and chart strategies for 2026, particularly around crime prevention, road safety and public protection.
Discussion about this post