BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI – National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango has sounded a strong warning against gender-based violence (GBV), describing it as a national crisis that is destroying families, traumatising children and threatening the future of the country.
Addressing hundreds of residents during the Manzini North Crime Prevention Campaign held at St. Paul’s Primary School on June 6,2026, Masango called on all emaSwati to unite in the fight against GBV, saying the scourge could no longer be ignored.
Among those present were Deputy National Commissioner Wendy Hleta, Senior Assistant National Commissioners Raphael Maseko and Charles Simelane, Manzini North Member of Parliament Frans Mashayinkonjane Nhlengetfwa, representatives from the Regional Administrator’s Office, retired Deputy Commissioner Khisimusi Ndlovu and members of community watch schemes.
In one of the most emotional moments of his address, the National Commissioner reminded the gathering that children are a gift from God and questioned why anyone would destroy such a blessing.
“Children are a gift from God. How do you kill a blessing from God?” he asked, leaving many attendees visibly moved and reflecting on the growing number of cases involving abuse and violence against children.
Masango said it was heartbreaking that some children leave home for school only to become victims of sexual abuse at the hands of adults entrusted with their protection.
“It is painful that a child goes to school and upon returning home, an older man sexually abuses her and then threatens to kill her if she tells anyone. Do these people ever stop to think about the future of that child?” he asked.
He said the devastating impact of such crimes extends far beyond the immediate victim, affecting families, communities and the nation’s future.
The National Commissioner revealed that before the end of June, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) will convene a major national gathering bringing together all relevant stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to the growing problem of gender-based violence.
“We have invited all relevant stakeholders because this issue requires all of us. Government, traditional leaders, churches, schools, civil society organisations and communities must work together if we are to win this fight,” he said.
Masango further pledged REPS’ full commitment to intensifying crime-fighting efforts across the country through increased patrols, greater police visibility in crime hotspots, enhanced community policing initiatives and stronger neighbourhood watch structures.
“As stewards of REPS, we remain fully committed to protecting life and property, maintaining law and order and ensuring that every citizen lives in peace and security. Crime undermines economic development, community cohesion and public confidence. We cannot allow that to continue,” he said.
The campaign, which commenced with a march from Hillside accompanied by the Royal Band, brought together police officers, community policing structures, residents and various stakeholders.
In a unique display of unity between police and the community, Masango joined the Police Gospel Messengers in singing the hymn Thula Moya Wami, reinforcing the campaign’s message that safer communities can only be built through collective action.
The National Commissioner identified robberies, housebreaking, theft, gender-based violence, drugs and substance abuse as among the crimes most affecting Manzini North and urged residents to work closely with police by reporting criminal activities promptly.
Meanwhile, Manzini North MP Frans Mashayinkonjane Nhlengetfwa praised REPS for bringing crime prevention programmes closer to communities.
He said lawmakers also had a responsibility to strengthen laws aimed at curbing crime and protecting citizens, adding that he hoped the campaign would produce positive results in the constituency.
Retired Deputy Commissioner Khisimusi Ndlovu urged residents to report crime promptly and cooperate with police investigations.
He said communities must play an active role in fighting crime, as police alone cannot win the battle against criminals.
Closing the event, Masango stressed that the fight against crime and GBV would not be won by law enforcement alone but through a united national effort committed to protecting the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
“When police and communities stand together, criminals have nowhere to hide,” he said.
#RoyalEswatiniPoliceService #ManziniNorth #CommunityPolicing #ProtectOurChildren #StopGBV#EndViolenceAgainstChildren
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