BY NONTSETSELELO DLAMINI (INTERN)
MATSAPHA – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has launched an investigation into an attempted murder after a 37-year-old kombi driver from Buseleni was shot four times in the body by an unknown suspect at Eteni on April 17, 2026.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight while the victim was dropping off a passenger along the Manzini–Lomahasha route, when he was attacked and left seriously injured before the suspect fled the scene.
Police confirmed that the victim was rushed to hospital, where he remains under medical care, as officers continue investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.According to information sourced from the REPS social media page, officers responded promptly and have since intensified efforts, following multiple leads to establish the motive and trace the suspect.
Preliminary findings indicate that the attack took place during routine transport operations, underscoring the risks faced by public transport operators, particularly during late hours. Police have appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation, emphasising that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
REPS has also raised concern over the growing use of illegal firearms in violent crimes, noting that such weapons continue to be linked to attempted murders, robberies, and other criminal activities across the country.
The police service warned that the proliferation of illegal firearms poses a serious threat to public safety and has contributed to the loss of lives, urging emaSwati to play an active role in reporting such activities. Authorities stressed that community involvement remains critical in dismantling crime syndicates and strengthening national security efforts.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police expressing confidence that continued cooperation from the public will assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice and enhancing safety within communities.
#REPS #IllegalFirearms #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety
