Mbabane - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Although things can occur anywhere this world and one should never fully let down their guard, the crime and security situation is not as serious in Eswatini as it is in South Africa or many other posts we’ve experienced. Here, you can freely walk where you wish, withdraw from ATMs, etc. without being pestered. Riding bicycles and walking at night are risky strictly because of poor street lighting, so you do take on risks of vehicle having limited visibility. Also, all the residences have their own 24/7 security guards. - Aug 2023
No, I feel very safe. Everyone is always concerned about the strikes and marches, but they are never as large or dangerous as the newspapers lead you to believe, and they announce where they will march, so you just steer clear. - Oct 2019
This is considered a high-threat post, but, for the most part I feel pretty safe here. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense, you should be fine. All homes have 24-hour guards, and the local guard force is excellent. Our previous RSO said they were the best guard force he ever worked with. - Mar 2015
This is considered a high crime post, but I never feel unsafe. I do not walk around at night by myself, but I didn't do that much in the US either. You do have to be alert, though. You hear about breakins and petty thefts quite often. - Feb 2011
This is rated as a critical crime post. While that may be true, it feels much safer than the surrounding countries. I feel quite safe walking around town. At night, though, I wouldn't walk around if I were a women (not looking to be sexist; during the day, everyone walks everywhere, as soon as evening comes, the only people walking around the streets are men. Most people are already home or at restaurants, or at the few clubs, or at the hotels in the valley (two have casinos). - May 2010
Crime is rated as critical and embassy residences have 24-hour guards. There have been a few attempted break-ins since we've been here. That said, though, I feel quite safe in Swaziland, even walking alone (during the day) as a woman. The crime here is mostly opportunistic and in no way compares to that of neighboring South Africa or Mozambique. - Mar 2008
