By Bahle Gama
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) have partnered to safeguard and protect consumers and businesses against financial crimes and risks.
The two institutions chiefs, National Commissioner of Police William Dlamini and FSRA CEO Ncamiso Ntshalintshali signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their partnership.
The signing took place at the Hilton Garden Hotel where the police chief stated that he hoped the signing of the MoU would reap benefits in the long run, in terms of attaching personnel to the Authority.
He said this will be for practical on-the-job training, focused capacitation, and interchange of relevant experiences in their specialist fields if deemed necessary and appropriate.
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“As police service, we appreciate the recognition as a stakeholder in this sector as well as the credit accorded to the professional skills from our staff inventory as illustrated by regular joint operations conducted by our respective law enforcement agents in cases of malpractice and mismanagement,” he said.
The National Commissioner stated that signing the MoU also serves as a symbol of resolve and commitment as well as recognition of the importance of cooperation and information-sharing towards strengthening the fight against financial crime, money laundering, and the funding of terrorism.
“This partnership seeks to promote the ease of sharing expertise, capacity, and information on various levels of financial services involving both the police and FSRA,” Dlamini said.
This he said will enable both entities to discharge their respective statutory obligations efficiently and effectively through the implementation of sustainable strategic plans.
Dlamini further disclosed that the MoU also seeks to promote joint planning and conducting of operations as well as making improvements on service delivery and sharing of special skills and knowledge for mutual benefit.
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“As a police service, we wish to affirm our unwavering assurance for the furtherance of the ideals of the MoU, and further pledge our full support to FSRA in all their endeavours, aspirations, and ideals,” he added.
FSRA CEO Ncamiso Ntshalintshali echoed the National Commissioner in that with the MoU, they do hope that they will now be able to probe into cases related to financial crime.
“It is in our greatest interest to stop those conducting financial services duties without authorization and we believe that this MoU will play a vital role in ensuring that is successful,” he said.
