Madam,

The increasing wave of violence against children, particularly young girls, has reached a terrifying level demanding urgent national intervention in Eswatini. These incidents stand as a reminder that childhood innocence in our communities is under siege. These tragedies are more than just statistics; they represent shattered dreams, grieving emaSwati families and communities drowning in sorrow across all four regions. This crisis cannot be met with silence; swift and decisive action is needed to safeguard every child’s right to safety and security.

We can no longer afford to remain passive observers. Grieving alone will not bring justice and placing blame without action will not solve the problem. This is a national emergency that requires collective action from every member of society, from our traditional structures (Imiphakatsi) to our urban centres.

Whether or not we are parents, it is our duty to stand up, speak out and demand real solutions to protect the most vulnerable among us.

We call for justice, not just for this innocent child, but for every survivor of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual assault and every young life robbed of a future. Justice cannot remain an empty promise. It must be swift, transparent and meaningful. We demand accountability from those entrusted with law enforcement and governance. Every child in Eswatini has the right to safety, dignity and a life free from fear.

Following a devastating year in 2025, which saw an alarming crisis where over 300 children were raped and murdered in the first five months alone, we are well within 2026 with the same underlying panic. Despite a few highly publicised arrests, systemic justice remains elusive. Families, desperate for answers, receive little to no updates on their cases from authorities, leaving them to mourn in a vacuum of information.

The prevalence of rape continues to rise across the country, with countless women and children targeted in these horrific crimes. Despite the existence of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, implementation and enforcement remain severely underfunded and sluggish. Investigations by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) often drag on for months, sometimes even a year, creating further trauma for survivors and their families. In cases where arrests do occur, many suspects walk free due to poor evidence collection and botched forensics, casting a dark shadow over the integrity and efficiency of our justice system.

Authorities repeatedly cite ‘ongoing investigations’ while urging the public to assist in searches, yet tangible results remain scarce. The absence of solid leads and successful prosecutions raises serious concerns about law enforcement’s capacity to deliver justice. How can so many heinous crimes remain unresolved in a country of our size? How can emaSwati families continue to endure unbearable uncertainty, waiting endlessly for accountability?

Fear has become a constant presence in our homes, schools and churches. Parents live with the tormenting thought of ‘What if?’ What if today is the last time they see their child walk home from school? What if their loved ones are being watched by predators lurking in their own neighbourhoods? The kingdom feels unsafe and trust in the institutions meant to protect us is rapidly fading.

This must end. Government, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and law enforcement authorities must take decisive, transparent and effective action.

We demand an immediate overhaul of criminal investigative processes, the establishment of specialised, fast-tracked courts for crimes against children and stricter implementation of the SODV Act. The protection of our children is not just a moral duty; It is a fundamental human right.

The increasing wave of violence against children, particularly young girls, has reached a terrifying level demanding urgent national intervention in Eswatini.