BY ZINHLE DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has intensified its call for communities to reject violence and seek peaceful solutions to conflict following a tragic incident in Siteki that claimed two lives and left a community shaken.
In a strongly worded public statement, police condemned acts of violence and self-harm, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands destroys families, traumatises children and leaves lasting scars within communities. The appeal comes as investigators continue probing the death of a 20-year-old woman and the subsequent death of a 33-year-old man believed to have been linked to the attack.
According to preliminary findings released by police, the suspect allegedly entered the young woman’s homestead at night and attacked her with a sharp object before fleeing the scene. Investigators later discovered the man deceased in an open area after he allegedly ingested a poisonous substance in what authorities suspect was an attempt to evade arrest.
Police further revealed that minors witnessed parts of the incident before alerting relatives, highlighting the emotional toll violence continues to inflict on children and families across the country.
Despite the tragedy, REPS used the incident to send a wider message of hope and prevention, urging emaSwati to seek help before conflict escalates into irreversible actions. The service encouraged people experiencing emotional distress, anger or relationship difficulties to speak to counsellors, community leaders, social workers or police officers.
“The Royal Eswatini Police Service frowns upon resorting to violence or self-harm to resolve disputes or conflict,” read part of the statement.
The police service also reassured the public that officers remain on duty around the clock to intervene in dangerous situations and protect lives. Authorities urged residents to report threats, abuse and violent behaviour early before lives are lost.
Community members have increasingly welcomed campaigns that promote mental wellness, family dialogue and the protection of women and children, saying such interventions could help reduce cases of domestic violence and emotional breakdowns.
As investigations continue, REPS maintains that every life is valuable and communities must unite against violence in all its forms. The incident has since reignited national conversations around gender-based violence, mental health awareness and the importance of early intervention in family disputes.
#EndViolenceNow #ProtectWomenAndChildren #SafeCommunities #MentalHealthAwareness
