POLICE CRITICIZED FOR FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE MISSING PERSON CASE
Buhleni police officers have come under scrutiny following their handling of a missing person case involving Thandeka Mtsetfwa, a mother of 22-month-old twins who reportedly disappeared earlier this week. Relatives, including Mtsetfwa’s mother, Zanele Vilakati, claim they received no meaningful assistance from the police after reporting the case.
Vilakati, the grandmother of the twins, approached the Domestic Violence and Child Protection Unit seeking help in locating her daughter but was instead advised to post about the missing person on Facebook. “I am the mother of Thandeka Mtsetfwa, and I approached the police after my daughter disappeared, leaving behind the twins aged twenty-two months. After approaching the police, I was advised to post her on Facebook,” she told Swaziland News.
The suggestion to turn to social media rather than launching a formal investigation has sparked outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness and priorities of law enforcement in Eswatini. Critics argue that such a response reflects a lack of commitment to providing justice and protecting vulnerable citizens.
Sibongile Mazibuko, President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), condemned the police response, calling it unacceptable. “Posting on Facebook should be an individual choice, obviously influenced by frustration in most instances. Police must investigate and not refer citizens seeking services to Facebook,” Mazibuko stated. Her comments reflect growing frustration with the perceived inadequacy of the police in addressing cases involving vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati were unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report, as no response was received to a questionnaire sent by Swaziland News.
The handling of Mtsetfwa’s disappearance highlights broader concerns about systemic inefficiencies within Eswatini’s law enforcement. Families seeking help often face delays, neglect, or inappropriate advice, forcing them to rely on alternative methods such as social media to gather information or seek assistance. While platforms like Facebook can be helpful for raising awareness, critics argue that they should not replace thorough investigations by police.
The case also underscores the challenges faced by families in holding authorities accountable. For Vilakati, the lack of support from the police adds to the emotional toll of dealing with her daughter’s disappearance and caring for the young twins left behind. “We approached the police for help, but instead of investigating, they suggested something that feels dismissive and unhelpful,” she lamented.
The NNLC President’s remarks reflect a growing consensus that systemic reforms are needed to ensure that law enforcement prioritizes public safety and provides timely, professional services to citizens. Calls for better training, resource allocation, and accountability mechanisms within the police force have grown louder as similar cases of neglect come to light.
As the search for Mtsetfwa continues, her family and community members are left to rely on their own efforts, with little faith in the system meant to protect them. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the capacity and responsiveness of law enforcement in Eswatini, particularly in cases involving women and children.
For now, the whereabouts of Thandeka Mtsetfwa remain unknown, and her family is left grappling with fear and uncertainty. The case has drawn attention to the gaps in Eswatini’s justice system, raising important questions about the role of the police in ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. Until meaningful reforms are enacted, families like Mtsetfwa’s may continue to feel abandoned by those tasked with protecting them.
