Kidnapping Rate Remains Low in Eswatini Despite Organized Crime

A Plague of Organized Crime

In a country plagued by organized crime, kidnapping remains an alarming issue in Eswatini, despite the overall murder rate being lower than in other African countries. Foreign actors, mostly from Asian and West African communities, have infiltrated the country’s criminal underworld, engaging in activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and contraband smuggling.

A Fertile Ground for Corruption

The absolute monarchy, led by King Mswati III, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, creating a fertile ground for corruption and criminal activity. The government’s response to organized crime has been sluggish, with cases often going unpunished due to inadequate investigation and prosecution.

Challenges in Combating Crime

Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in combating kidnapping and other serious crimes, including:

• Corruption
• Lack of training
• Underfunding
• Police officers accused of using excessive force and violence against civilians
• Judiciary plagued by inefficiency and lack of independence

Porous Borders and Contraband

The country’s porous borders with Mozambique and South Africa have allowed contraband to flow freely, making Eswatini an attractive transit point for drugs and organized crime. Efforts to address border security issues have been underway, but progress has been slow.

Limited Economic Freedom and Corruption

Economic freedom is limited in the country, and widespread corruption has led to lavish government spending and mismanaged funds. The government’s response to human trafficking has been inadequate, with only a few NGO-operated centers available for victims.

Lack of Political Participation and Media Freedom

The lack of political participation and media freedom in Eswatini has also contributed to the persistence of kidnapping and organized crime. Journalists are often restricted from working freely, and attempts at oversight from civil society are met with repression.

Efforts to Address Kidnapping and Organized Crime

Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to address the issue of kidnapping and organized crime in Eswatini. The government has received a loan from the World Bank to support economic recovery and implement reforms, including improving transparency and accountability. However, much work remains to be done to combat the root causes of this complex problem.

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