The crime rate in the country has dropped by 6.6% compared to 2024, according to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The prime minister tabled the police report in Parliament through Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
He revealed that 46 567 criminal cases were recorded during the period under review compared to 49 876 cases in the previous parallel period, translating into the 6.6% decrease.
The reduction was attributed to public awareness, proactive and reactive policing interventions, improved detection efforts and the use of technology to combat emerging crimes such as cybercrime.
Out of the 46 567 cases reported, 18 362 were successfully investigated, while the remaining cases remain under active investigation.
“A total of 18 810 suspects were arrested. The detection rate for volume crime was 39.4%, while the prioritised crime detection rate was 20.9%,” he said.
Serious Crimes Decline
Dlamini added that serious and prioritised crimes decreased by 12%, with 10 486 cases recorded compared to 11 919 in the same period last year.
He highlighted decreases in:
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Murder
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Armed robberies
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Stock theft
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Housebreaking and theft
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Theft of copper wire
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Motor vehicle theft
Livestock theft declined by 15%, particularly involving cattle and goats, which previously had significant economic repercussions.
Copper wire and non-ferrous metal theft dropped by 8.5%, though it remains a concern due to infrastructure damage.
The piloting of the Protection of Critical Infrastructure Bill is ongoing to combat theft of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
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Cybercrime cases also declined by 5.5%, including fraudulent EFT payments for goods never delivered and scams involving impersonation of police officers or bank officials.
Housebreaking and theft decreased by 10.8%, attributed to intensified patrols and community cooperation.
“The decrease in crime ensures that peace and tranquillity are restored and the fear of crime is reduced,” he said.
955 RAPE CASES REPORTED
At least 955 rape cases were reported over a nine-month period, compared to 894 cases recorded during the same period last year — reflecting a 6.8% increase.
The police report revealed that a serial rape suspect was arrested in Mbabane for allegedly committing offences in Manzana, Sandla, Fonteyn and Mdzangwini.
The suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial.
Another suspect was arrested and charged in Nsubane for allegedly raping a 38-year-old woman from Lubulini.
Police stated that the arrests brought relief to survivors and strengthened trust between law enforcement and communities.
AT LEAST 5 857 GBV CASES REPORTED
About 5 857 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported last year.
This reflects a 44% increase compared to 4 072 cases recorded in the previous parallel period.
Dlamini attributed the rise to moral decay, fragile male egos and dysfunctional family settings.
He said police continue to roll out mitigation programmes in collaboration with stakeholders, including SODV awareness campaigns and prioritised investigations to ensure timely arrests.
109 MALES COMMITTED SUICIDE
A total of 133 people allegedly committed suicide last year.
Of these, 109 were males and 24 were females.
The report cited contributing factors including domestic abuse, financial challenges, depression, unemployment, chronic illness and social ostracism.
“In most incidents, various chemicals — especially Masta 900, which remains a concern — were used, while others used different means,” he said.
