Rising crime shadows Pigg’s Peak

BABANE – In the vibrant town of Pigg’s Peak robbery, vandalism, theft and housebreaking have become the top crimes, causing concern among residents and authorities.

MAs a major hub in northern Hhohho, the town attracts visitors from the region due to its available government services such as medical, birth, marriage or death registrations and a diversity of shopping experiences that are not available in the outskirts of the region. Eswatini News investigated these concerns of increased crime and reached out to the Pigg’s Peak Town Council to give further insight into the conerns.

When approached for comment, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mzwandile Ndzinisa referred inquiries to the Public

Relations Officer (PRO), Phumaphi Msweli. Msweli acknowledged the alarming rise in crime rates and assured the public that the town council was committed to ensuring their safety while collaborating with members of the Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) and other stakeholders. Proactive measures had been implemented to combat the growing issue.

Msweli revealed that the council had identified areas which were high-crime spots. These areas included Glen township, the central business district (CBD) and Mangwaneni. She said housebreaking, theft, vandalism and robbery were reported as the most prevalent crimes in these locations.

In addition to the aforementioned crimes, Msweli highlighted

a concerning trend of scamming incidents targeting Mobile Money vendors.

To address this, the council encouraged vendors to adhere to guidelines set by cellular companies. These guidelines included requesting customers to present their identification cards (ID) when buying or selling units, providing an extra layer of security.

To further combat crime, Msweli stated that the council established a partnership with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) under the Crime Prevention Unit. This collaboration aimed to devise effective strategies to tackle crime in the urban area, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

She added that in enhancing security measures, increasing vigilance and promoting community awareness, they hoped to restore peace and safety to the town.