Eswatini’s Main Opposition Party Compiles “Hit List” of Game Rangers

Tensions Mount Over Poaching-Related Deaths

The main opposition party in Eswatini is compiling a “hit list” of game rangers in response to what it says are state-sanctioned murders of suspected poachers. Communities have been urged to assist in identifying rangers involved in the killings. As tensions mount over poaching-related deaths in Eswatini, the fear of violence looms large.

Compiling the “Hit List”

Although there is no definitive count of suspected poachers killed in Eswatini’s game parks, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs estimates that dozens are slain each year.

However, Eswatini’s opposition parties allege hundreds of families have been impacted by these deaths and have called for a compilation of a game ranger “hit list.”

Velephi Mamba, treasurer general of main opposition party PUDEMO, one of the groups calling for possible violence against the rangers, said the news of the list of game rangers that was announced a week ago still stands. In fact, he said, it’s an ongoing issue. Mamba said his party request that all Swazis compile a list of the names of game rangers that are killing our people.

Calls for Reforms

Amid the growing controversy, legislators and human rights activists in Eswatini recently demanded an urgent review of the Game Act of 1991. They say the law allows game rangers in the southern African kingdom to shoot suspected poachers in national parks with little or no consequence.

Human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi is among those calling for revision of the law. He said game rangers need to make greater efforts to arrest suspected poachers and bring them to court, rather than killing or torturing them.

“The game rangers themselves should understand that they should prioritize the use of non-lethal methods for the apprehension when dealing with suspected poachers,” Nhlabatsi said. “The use of excessive force, in my view, does not only violate human rights but also undermines the credibility of the conservation efforts.”

Defense from Game Rangers

Mandla Motsa, a game ranger in Eswatini, defended his colleagues’ actions, saying there is an urgent need to protect endangered species in the parks from extinction, and that rangers face a formidable threat from well-armed poachers. There have been multiple reported incidents of rangers and poachers exchanging gunfire.

“We are getting a lot of pressure from poachers who are always armed and attacking the rangers on duty, while we have got organizations who feel like the poachers should be allowed to do whatever they are doing, which is against the work the rangers are doing,” Motsa said.

Government Response

Meanwhile, Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo condemned the calls for a “hit list” and urged citizens to shun requests to provide names. He emphasized the importance of following due process and the rule of law for achieving justice.

“Nobody should heed to such calls because they are going to lead into an escalation of violence in our communities around the country, and we know that that is the kind of atmosphere they want to create around the kingdom of Eswatini,” Nxumalo said.

Conclusion

The situation in Eswatini remains tense, with both sides digging in their heels. The government and game rangers are calling for caution and a focus on the conservation efforts, while the opposition and human rights groups are demanding greater accountability and transparency.

FAQs

What is the reason behind the opposition’s call for a “hit list”? The opposition believes that game rangers are responsible for state-sanctioned murders of suspected poachers, and they want to identify and hold them accountable.

What is the response from the government and game rangers? The government has condemned the calls for a “hit list” and urged citizens to follow due process and the rule of law, while game rangers argue that they are doing what is necessary to protect endangered species and that they face a formidable threat from well-armed poachers.

What is the status of the Game Act of 1991? The law has been called into question, and there are ongoing discussions about possible reforms, but so far, there have been no amendments proposed or votes scheduled.