By Ncaba Ntshakala
As the year has begun, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has wasted no time reaffirming its unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the nation.
In a resolute statement shared on their Facebook page, REPS reiterated its commitment to serving and protecting all emaSwati with “dedication without reservation” throughout the year.
This renewed pledge comes under their primary mandate: to safeguard life and property. Recognizing the collaborative nature of successful crime prevention, REPS emphasized the fact that without collaborating with the community, it will not be able to achieve its mandate of fighting crime.
Again, the police force has the operational theme for the year which is “Combating Crime and Road Traffic Accidents Through Robust Police Action In Partnership with the Public” (Kuvikela Bucala Netingoti Temngwaco Ngeligalelo Lelisetulu Ngekubambisana Kwemaphoyisa Nesive”) the police are seeking to partner with the public to keep the country safe.
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In the statement, REPS has expressed that this theme serves as a blueprint for all Police officers and communities during the year. As the theme denotes, the overriding principle is for the Police and citizens to work together in strengthening the country’s safety and security frameworks.
Even in the New Year, the Police Service will continue to be at the nation’s disposal and will do everything to ensure that peace and tranquillity prevail throughout the country in 2024.
Acting National Commissioner (NatCom) of Police, Lydia Sijabulisiwe Dlamini during the end of the year campaign reiterated the REP’s commitment to fighting and eradicating crime in the country especially the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and other crimes that are showing an upward trend.
She expressed that REPS is seeking to partner with the community towards curtailing prevailing crimes and other social problems that have sown discord, fear and panic among the citizens.
“Crime continues to be a menace in our society thus eroding the quality of life and threatening sustainable socio-economic development as well as causing communities to live in fear. As a Police Service we are grateful and appeal for your continued support and cooperation in our endeavour to keep Eswatini safe,” said the Acting NatCom during her end-of-year remarks.
The police organisation further added that creating a safe environment is not only limited to the REPS but also to all residents of the Kingdom both young and old, hence the national adage “Nawe Uliphoyisa’ which means that everyone has the responsibility to safeguard the community and the Kingdom.
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In the statement, the police also encouraged emaSwati that as law-abiding citizens, they must report crime or any suspicious activities happening around their vicinities which is the the right thing to do.
They reminded people that it is the responsibility of every citizen to create and ensure that the country is a safe place for everyone to live in. Further, the police highlighted that they would strive to ensure the prevalence of road fatalities. They explained that the Police Service will continue creating awareness around the safe usage of the roads.
Police boost traffic enforcement with basic traffic course ahead of new year
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) took a vital step towards strengthening road safety by equipping traffic officers with a basic training course.
The event was officially closed by Acting National Commissioner of Police Lydia Sijabulisiwe Dlamini who presided over the momentous occasion, which was further distinguished by the presence of Nonsikelelo Sisulu, Head of Gauteng Department of Community Safety in South Africa.
The course is designed to equip officers with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for effective traffic policing, and the officers underwent rigorous training in various aspects of road safety enforcement.
