By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE- The recent surge in cases of rape, kidnapping, and murder of women and girls in Eswatini has left our nation grieving. These heinous crimes have shattered families and communities, leaving behind a trail of pain and loss. However, it is deeply concerning that some political parties and their leaders have chosen to exploit these tragedies for political gain, falsely accusing the ruling regime and the country’s authorities of involvement in ritual killings. Such baseless claims not only undermine the gravity of these incidents but also deepen the wounds of those who have lost loved ones.
The accusations leveled against the government and the country’s authorities lack any credible evidence. They appear to be opportunistic attempts to score political points at a time when the nation should be united in addressing this crisis. Violence against women and girls is not unique to Eswatini; since the beginning of 2025, neighboring countries like South Africa and Botswana have also reported alarming increases in similar incidents. In South Africa, official crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year noted a rise in sexual offenses, including rape, while Botswana has faced its own challenges with gender-based violence. These are regional issues that demand collective action, not divisive rhetoric.
To the political parties and their leaders: your actions have consequences. By spreading unverified claims, you risk fueling fear and mistrust among the people of Eswatini. More importantly, you are causing untold pain to the families of the victims, who are already grappling with unimaginable grief. These families deserve compassion, support, and justice—not to have their suffering manipulated for political agendas.
We urge all political leaders to focus on constructive solutions. Eswatini has taken steps toward addressing gender-based violence, such as the 2023-2027 National Strategy to End Violence in Eswatini. However, as local organisations like the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse have pointed out, implementation remains a challenge. Rather than sowing discord, political parties should advocate for increased resources to enforce existing laws, improve support services for victims, and strengthen community education to prevent such crimes.
Let us honour the memory of the women and girls we have lost by working together to create a safer Eswatini. Political leaders must set aside partisan interests and prioritise the well-being of our nation’s citizens. The families of the victims deserve our respect, our empathy, and our commitment to justice—not empty accusations that deepen their pain.
Let this be a turning point for Eswatini, where we unite to confront violence against women and girls with action, not words. The time for politicizing tragedy is over. Let us stand together for justice, healing, and change.
