By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MBABANE – Residents of Mhlangatane Inkhundla came together in a heartfelt prayer session at Nyakatfo High School, calling on God for divine intervention to end the brutal killing of children in Eswatini.
The gathering followed the tragic rape and murder of two girls, aged 9 and 16, from the area shocking incidents that have left the nation grieving and alarmed at the rising trend of violence against children.
The prayer session was not only a moment of spiritual reflection but also a call to action for stronger child protection measures. World Vision Eswatini, which implements development programs in the area with support from World Vision U.S. Programs, co-organised the event, reinforcing its mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Present at the prayer were Honourable Madala Mhlanga, MP for Mhlangatane Inkhundla, Honourable Sicelo Dlamini MP for Mayiwane, World Vision Cluster Manager Simanga Mkhombe, representatives from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, the Regional Administrator’s office, local pastors, and members of the business community.
It Is not the first time the Mayiwane Member of Parliament has spoken about this issue. At a recent community gathering during EBIS’s 59th anniversary celebration held at Mandlangempisi Inkhundla, Honourable Sicelo “Khungankhosi” Dlamini expressed concern over the growing number of missing girls who are later found dead, noting that this disturbing trend is especially common in the Hhohho region.
Speakers at the gathering emphasized that while spiritual intervention is crucial, practical community engagement and vigilance are equally important in fighting violence against children.
The prayer marks one of several efforts by stakeholders to create a safer and more just environment for Eswatini’s children.
