Eswatini Police: 58 Illegal Firearm Seizures, 509 Rounds Confiscated

• The Royal Eswatini Police Service seized 58 illegal firearms between October 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
• During the same eleven-month period, authorities also confiscated 509 live rounds of ammunition.
• These figures were officially announced by National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango in a press statement from Mbabane.
• The disclosure coincided with September being recognized as the African Union Firearm Surrender month.
• The statistics indicate a sustained period of heightened gun control enforcement by the Royal Eswatini Police Service.

The public dissemination of these statistics serves a dual purpose: to inform the citizenry about the police's successes and to act as a strong deterrent against illegal firearms possession.

The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has recently unveiled comprehensive statistics detailing its successful operations against illegal weaponry within the kingdom. Over an eleven-month period, specifically from October 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, law enforcement agencies executed significant Eswatini police illegal firearm seizures. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 58 unauthorized firearms, alongside a substantial quantity of live ammunition. This data provides a clear snapshot of the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and security by removing dangerous weapons from circulation.

The Royal Eswatini Police Service seizures during this timeframe were not limited to just firearms. Authorities also managed to secure 509 live rounds of ammunition, indicating a thorough approach to disarming individuals and groups operating outside legal parameters. This dual focus on both weapons and their accompanying ammunition underscores a strategic effort to neutralize potential threats comprehensively. The official disclosure of these figures was made by National Commissioner of Police (NATCOM), Vusi Manoma Masango, in a press statement issued from Mbabane, highlighting the gravity and importance of these enforcement actions.

The timing of Commissioner Vusi Manoma Masango's statement is particularly noteworthy, as it coincided with a significant continental initiative. The announcement was made to mark September as the African Union (AU) Firearm Surrender month, a period specifically designated to encourage the voluntary handover of illegal weapons across African nations. This alignment suggests that the reported REPS illegal firearms statistics are not merely isolated incidents but rather reflect a concerted and possibly intensified effort, bolstered by regional calls for disarmament.

The Eswatini ammunition confiscations, reported alongside the firearm seizures, illustrate the comprehensive nature of the police's operations. The detailed accounting provided in the Vusi Manoma Masango statement offers valuable insight into the scale of the challenge posed by illicit arms and the effectiveness of current enforcement strategies. By participating in and highlighting the African Union Firearm Surrender Eswatini initiative, the kingdom demonstrates its commitment to broader regional security goals, aiming to reduce armed violence and foster greater stability within its borders and beyond. This proactive stance aligns Eswatini with continental efforts to curb the flow and use of illegal weapons.

These recently disclosed figures unequivocally signal a period of heightened Eswatini gun control enforcement. The consistent efforts demonstrated over an almost year-long span, culminating in the significant reported seizures, point towards a sustained and strategic approach by the Royal Eswatini Police Service rather than a series of disconnected events. This ongoing pressure is critical for maintaining law and order, as well as for effectively curbing criminal activities frequently associated with the possession and use of unauthorized firearms.

The public dissemination of these statistics serves a dual purpose: to inform the citizenry about the police's successes and to act as a strong deterrent against illegal firearms possession. The clear message conveyed by the National Commissioner's office underscores the government's unwavering commitment to upholding the legal framework governing weapon ownership in Eswatini. Such continued vigilance and robust enforcement are paramount for safeguarding national security and ensuring the overall safety and well-being of the public. This proactive stance is expected to continue shaping the landscape of firearms control within the kingdom.

This report signals heightened enforcement activity by the Royal Eswatini Police Service against illegal firearms and ammunition. Lawyers advising clients on firearms possession or facing related criminal charges should be aware of this increased scrutiny and potential for more aggressive prosecution in Eswatini.

Source: Original reporting via Times of Eswatini