BY NELILE NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE –The Royal Eswatini Police Service has once again urged parents and guardians to ensure the safety of children, especially around water bodies, as school holidays continue.
Authorities highlighted that children are currently spending more time outdoors, sometimes without supervision, which increases their risk of harm. Police emphasised that the responsibility to safeguard children rests with parents and adults within communities.
“This is a time when parents must be extra vigilant and ensure children are always supervised, particularly near rivers and dams,” said the police in a public safety message.
According to information sourced from REPS social media page , on April 27,2026 at about 1340 hours, a 7 year-old boy was discovered to have drowned while swimming at Mpuluzi River. He was later certified dead upon arrival at Mankayane Government Hospital.
The police said such incidents highlight the importance of constant supervision and community awareness in protecting children. They noted that water bodies can be dangerous, especially for young children who may not fully understand the risks.
Community members are being encouraged to work together to ensure children are safe at all times, particularly during the holiday period when supervision may be reduced. Parents are also urged to educate children about the dangers of swimming in unsafe areas.
The warning forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to promote child safety and prevent avoidable incidents across the country.
As the holiday season continues, authorities remain confident that increased awareness, vigilance, and community cooperation will help protect children and prevent further tragedies.
#ChildSafetyFirst #NaweUliPhoyisa #Sikhona #ChildProtection #CommunitySafety #Eswatini
