Eswatini’s Criminal Underbelly: A Tangle of Corruption, Crime, and Governance

A Recent Report Reveals Alarming State of Crime and Corruption

A recent report has shed light on the alarming state of crime and corruption in Eswatini, a small monarchy in Southern Africa. The country’s criminal landscape is marked by organized gangs, syndicates, and corrupt officials, with financial crimes being a significant concern.

Small Gangs and Syndicates Perpetrate Most Crime

According to the report, most criminal activity in Eswatini is perpetrated by small gangs and syndicates, which are often linked to larger criminal organizations in neighboring countries such as South Africa and Mozambique. These groups engage in various illegal activities, including:

• Armed robbery
• Hijacking
• Smuggling
• Human trafficking

Corruption Enables Crime

The report highlights the significant role of corruption in enabling crime, with high-level officials being complicit in smuggling and other illicit activities. The country’s poor economic circumstances, coupled with lavish government spending and mismanaged funds, provide an environment conducive to criminal activity.

Law Enforcement Agencies Plagued by Inadequate Training and Funding

Eswatini’s law enforcement agencies are also plagued by inadequate training, funding, and resources, making it challenging for them to effectively combat crime. The report notes that police officers have been involved in smuggling activities, exacerbating the problem of inefficient border control.

Judicial System Criticized for Ineffectiveness

The country’s judicial system is also criticized for being ineffective in combating organized crime. Judges are appointed by the king, who has absolute power to dissolve Parliament and veto any decision, creating a culture of impunity. The judiciary is perceived as being above criticism, with courts lacking the necessary resources and infrastructure to effectively prosecute criminals.

Weaknesses in Governance Structure

The report highlights several weaknesses in Eswatini’s governance structure, including:

• Lack of transparency and accountability
• Monarch’s significant powers without effective checks and balances
• Allegations of corruption and cronyism at the highest levels of government

Economic and Financial Environment Conducive to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

The economic and financial environment in Eswatini is also criticized for being conducive to money laundering and terrorist financing. Although the country has committed to EU guidelines and ratified multilateral conventions, its legislative infrastructure has not yielded significant interceptions and prosecutions.

Civil Society Organizations Face Challenges

Civil society organizations have made some efforts to address human trafficking and other social issues, but they face challenges in terms of funding and government support. The report notes that marginalized groups, such as the LGBT community, are unlikely to report crime due to fear of persecution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eswatini’s criminal landscape is marked by corruption, organized crime, and a lack of effective governance. The country’s authorities must take concrete steps to address these issues, including:

• Strengthening its law enforcement agencies
• Improving transparency and accountability
• Protecting human rights