As the world and the country is affected by COVID-19, a new norm has been established resulting in the lockdown of countries, including Eswatini, and life as we know it has altered and is nearing a stand-still. In such situations it is not surprising, albeit unfortunate, that people seem to buckle under the pressure created by the pandemic and as such, men seem to be increasingly perpetuating and continually committing acts of violence.
The MenEngage Network – Eswatini is disturbed by the recent gruesome murders by a police officer who shot dead his wife and the suspected lover. This is one more case added to the numerous femicide cases that have been witnessed across the country in previous months.
The Network is greatly concerned that the crime was admittedly committed by a Law Enforcement Agent who is supposed to protect the public, but instead decided to take the law into his own hands. Furthermore, a man has come forward to donate and raise funds towards the perpetrator’s bail. It is clear that we are living in a society that accepts violence by men. We are living in a society with men who hold a sense of entitlement over women’s bodies. There is a need to thoroughly investigate the motive for the blatant support for such a criminal offence.
As a network that is committed to re-socialising men and boys, we are calling upon all men and boys to desist from engaging in and supporting any acts of violence; and to report any violence witnessed at any level. Those who are having relational / marital problems should seek help before things get out of hand.
As MenEngage Swaziland Network, we remain vigilant in the call for justice; as a country, we have a duty to preserve the life of every citizen regardless of gender, age, race, religion or social status.
We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and would like to encourage surviving family members to seek psychosocial support from various institutions to ensure full recovery from this traumatic experience.
#MayJusticeBeSeen