Municipality Intensifies Efforts Against Crime, Noise, Other Illegal Activities in the City
…Collaborative effort between Royal Eswatini Police Service, community police and Municipality in full force on weekends
As the festive season draws near and concerns about increasing criminal activities such as youth gangsterism, noise disturbances and unauthorised drinking spots mount, the Municipal Council of Manzini, in collaboration with community police and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), has intensified its efforts to restore peace and safety within the city. The new initiative, branded “Khwesha Phara Operation,” was launched early this month and is set to run through the festive season and beyond. The operation aligns with the Municipality’s 2024-2030 strategic objective “to provide effective city public order, safety and security services by 2030”. The operation runs on weekends, from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, and covers all 12 municipal wards. Law enforcement teams conduct regular patrols, stopping to search any individuals who seem suspicious and taking immediate action if illegal items such as weapons or drugs are found. Community members involved in this operation are easily recognisable by their “community police” reflector vests, while REPS and the Municipality’s private security personnel (Gridlock Security Services) wear their respective uniforms. The REPS has raised concerns about a growing number of teenagers joining gangsterism and engaging in crimes like pickpocketing, house-breaking and theft. They have also noted an increase in the number of illegal drinking spots in the neighbourhoods, especially in informal settlements. Noise pollution, especially from liquor establishments, has also been on the rise. Through this joint effort, the Municipality aims to curb such activities and foster a safe and peaceful environment for all citizens. Residents are urged to support the initiative by reporting any suspicious behaviour or unlawful activities in their neighbourhoods to the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre at 800 2004 or 2505 7000. Alternatively, they can contact the Royal Eswatini Police Service through their toll-free numbers (999 or 9999).
On another note, the Municipality extends its gratitude to the municipal wards that have already set up community policing structures to deter crime. Nine municipal wards have such structures currently and other wards are encouraged to follow suit. The Municipality is readily available to assist with establishment of such structures.
…MUNICIPALITY, PARTNERS SENSITISING SCHOOLS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, GANGSTERISM
In response to rising concerns over drug and substance abuse as well as gang-related activities within some of the schools in the city, the Municipal Council of Manzini, in collaboration with key partners such as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Ministry of Health, Phumelela Project and the Eswatini Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (ESACRO), has embarked on an sensitisation campaign targeting primary and high school pupils.
The awareness programme, which is fully supported by the Manzini Regional Education Office (REO) and school principals, began last Friday and is set to continue until early next month. As part of this programme, the Municipality aims to establish anti-drug and substance abuse clubs in at least 20 primary and high schools across the city. The campaign, which takes place during morning school assembly, has already visited schools such as Ngwane Park High, KaZakhali and St Michael’s primary and high schools, with more schools scheduled to be covered in the coming days. Beyond pupils, the initiative will extend to parents, equipping them with knowledge to identify early signs of drug abuse and other deviant behaviours such as gangsterism. The Municipality is committed to safeguarding the city’s youth and ensuring they grow in a healthy and secure environment. The Municipality expresses gratitude to the stakeholders who have been instrumental in supporting this important programme.
…PLEASE HELP FIGHT ILLEGAL DUMPING. REPORT OFFENDERS
The Municipality continues to witness disturbing cases of illegal waste dumping in public spaces, including recreational parks, road reserves and privately owned vacant plots. This practice is strictly prohibited and poses severe environmental risks. Offenders can face fines ranging from E5,000 to E50,000 under the Litter Regulations (2011). Meanwhile, littering on streets attracts a fine of E50.
To help combat this practice, the Municipality urges all residents to report illegal dumping activities. If possible, citizens are encouraged to take clear photos of vehicles (including registration plates) or individuals involved in illegal dumping and send them to the Municipality’s official WhatsApp numbers (7808 2333 or 7908 2333). The photos will assist in investigations and enforcement. It is important to note that the Municipality’s controlled dumpsite is open to the public and accepts waste seven days a week. There is, therefore, no reason for illegal dumping. The dumpsite operates on Mondays to Fridays, from 8am to 4:30pm, and on weekends from 8am to 12noon.
…RESIDENTS NOTIFIED OF ONGOING CITYWIDE SURVEY
The Municipal Council of Manzini is currently conducting a citywide survey to assess the state of indigency in the city. The objective is to identify the needs of low-income households groups in order to develop effective support programmes. The survey also covers the elderly, people with disabilities, people with chronic illness and underprivileged children. The survey, which began early this month, will continue until December 2024; covering all 12 municipal wards. Data collectors, who are easily identifiable by their navy blue reflector vests marked “Municipal Council of Manzini Data Capturer” and their official name tags, will visit households sequentially from ward 1 to ward 12. The Municipality encourages all residents to participate in this important exercise and provide the requested information to ensure accurate data collection. For any questions, residents can contact the Municipality through its 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004 or 2505 7000) or through the official WhatsApp line (7808 2333 or 7908 2333).
