Mbabane – The Royal Eswatini Police Service has reported the arrest and charging of five suspects over the weekend for contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018, as part of ongoing efforts to address gender based violence against women and children across the country.
According to police, the arrests followed separate incidents reported in different parts of the Kingdom of Eswatini between January and February 2026.
In one case, Siteki police arrested and charged a 50 year old man from KaLanga on 1 February 2026 for the rape of a 17 year old girl from the Lukhetseni area. Police said the abuse is alleged to have taken place between November 2025 and 31 January 2026. The suspect reportedly recruited the minor to be part of his praise team while hosting revival services in Lukhesteni and Tikhuba. 
In another incident, Siteki police arrested a 38 year old man from the Lugongolweni area on 31 January 2026 for sexually assaulting a 16 year old girl from Entandweni. On the same day, a 22 year old man from Tikhuba was arrested for the rape of a 14 year old girl from the same area.
Mbabane police also arrested and charged a 44 year old man from Luhlendlweni for the rape of his 12 year old niece from the Corinte area. In Mankayane, police arrested and charged a 21 year old man from Mahamba on 31 January at about 2230 hours for the rape of a 14 year old girl from the Ncabaneni area.
Meanwhile, Siphofaneni police are investigating a rape case involving a 17 year old girl from Lomagengane who was sexually assaulted by an unknown person in an open field at the Sithobelweni area.
In a separate matter, Hluthi police are investigating a rape involving a 15 year old girl from Nhlanhlayibovu who was sexually assaulted by a known person in an open field at Magomini. Police said evidence is currently being gathered to ensure the suspect is brought before the courts.
The police service said it remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violence against vulnerable members of society are brought to book, warning that sexual violence against children contributes to instability within communities and negatively affects the quality of life of Emaswati.
