Damning Swazi security report

MBABANE – Swaziland’s
self-image as a peaceful
country was given a
bracing revision in a US
State Department security
assessment that found the
small kingdom’s crime rate
was above the US average.
Aimed at American travellers
and residents in Swaziland,
the report offers good selfprotection
advice to all
motorists and businesses.
“Swaziland experiences
violent deaths on a frequent
basis. Some of the murders
have been particularly
gruesome. Rapes occur
frequently. Congested
urban areas are particularly
dangerous at night,” the
report states.
Drivers beware, the report
urges. “Caution must be
exercised when on the road, as
drivers are prone to excessive
speeding and reckless
behaviour."
The report advises,
“Driving outside of urban
areas during darkness is
discouraged because of poor
visibility and stray livestock."
If you get into trouble,
you’re on your own. “Police
response time to incidents is
slow, if at all,” the US report
found.