In Eswatini, a growing number of legislators, supported by human rights advocates, are calling for an urgent review of the 1991 Game Act. They argue that the law, which gives wildlife park rangers the authority to use lethal force against suspected poachers, lacks adequate checks and balances, resulting in unnecessary deaths and a lack of accountability.
Park owners and conservationists have long defended the shootings, claiming that they are crucial for protecting endangered wildlife, especially in a country where poaching is a significant threat. According to them, these drastic measures have helped preserve Eswatini’s biodiversity and deter poaching activities, which can be difficult to control in remote areas. However, critics contend that the law is outdated and endangers human lives, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized communities who may be driven to poaching due to economic hardship.
Human rights lawyer Thabiso Mavuso, who has represented several families of shooting victims, points to what he sees as an alarming trend. “We’ve seen young children and elderly people caught in this conflict, yet no one is held responsible. The law essentially grants rangers the right to kill without facing any legal consequences. This needs to change,” he stated. Mavuso and others believe that the Game Act needs to be reformed to align with modern human rights standards, ensuring that law enforcement is held accountable and that the use of lethal force is a last resort.
Although there is no official data on how many suspected poachers have been killed under this law, estimates from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs suggest that dozens of individuals lose their lives in Eswatini’s game parks each year. These figures have sparked growing concerns about the potential for abuse and the need for a more balanced approach to conservation.
On the other hand, game rangers argue that their own safety is at risk and that the current law is essential for protecting their lives. Mandla Motsa, a ranger who has worked in the parks for over a decade, explained, “We’ve lost many of our colleagues to poachers. They are heavily armed and dangerous, and in most cases, they shoot at us first. The public doesn’t realize that it’s a life-or-death situation for both the rangers and the poachers. Changing the Game Act would make our jobs even more dangerous and send the message that our lives are less important.”
The debate over the Game Act has highlighted a deeper tension between conservation efforts and human rights. Political analyst Mandla Hlatshwayo believes that the issue goes beyond environmental protection. “What we’re seeing is a government that uses the guise of conservation to justify the killing of individuals who are often powerless and from poor backgrounds. These are not just isolated incidents; this is systematic violence that needs to be addressed.”
Former Senator Ngomayayona Gamedze, whose family has also suffered losses at the hands of game rangers, is another vocal critic of the current law. He argues that the balance of power between game rangers and local communities is skewed and that human life must be prioritized. “It’s a tragedy that in Eswatini, wildlife seems to be given more protection than people. We’re talking about people being killed for simply hunting to survive. These individuals are treated as less than human, and this must stop. We need reforms that reflect the sanctity of human life above all else.”
The calls for reform are gaining traction, with several legislators bringing forward a motion to amend the Game Act. Government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and a vote on the matter is expected soon. The potential changes could include stricter guidelines on when lethal force can be used, greater accountability for rangers, and more robust protections for those accused of poaching.
As the debate unfolds, it has become a litmus test for how Eswatini balances the protection of its wildlife with the rights and dignity of its citizens. Both sides agree that poaching is a serious issue, but the question remains whether the current approach is the best solution. Critics argue that the protection of animals should not come at the cost of human lives, while proponents of the law fear that weakening the Game Act could lead to a surge in poaching and greater threats to endangered species. The outcome of the ongoing discussions may set a precedent for conservation policies not only in Eswatini but across the region.
