By Thokozani Mazibuko
After the heart-wrenching incident that sent shockwaves throughout the country, where the was a murder-suicide involving two police officers,
the National Commissioner of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango has condemned the act and emphasized the vitality of maintaining integrity within the police force.
The gruesome incident was said to have happened at approximately 4:50 PM, where a 41-year-old male officer stationed at the Police Headquarters shot and killed his 35-year-old wife, who was also a police officer at the Matsapha Police Academy, using his service weapon at Mpolonjeni, Mbabane.
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The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has publicly condemned the tragic event, where they cited the importance of maintaining integrity within the force.
In a statement released by the National Commissioner of Police, the service expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reinforced its commitment to preventing violence of any kind, especially among its ranks.
“We strongly condemn such behaviour and the perpetration of violence of any kind, especially by our members,” said the National Commissioner.
“It undercuts the integrity of the Royal Eswatini Police Service and sets a bad example to the general public.”
The police service extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Dlaminis and Sihlongonyanes, during this difficult time.
“We have been shattered and devastated by this tragic incident. We hope that they can find comfort in the Lord,” the statement read.
In light of this incident, the National Commissioner announced plans to engage various stakeholders to address the root causes of violence among police officers, as well as the broader issue of gender-based violence (GBV) within society.
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The police service is committed to a proactive approach, seeking to understand and mitigate the factors leading to such incidents.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service reassured the nation of its dedication to being a disciplined entity dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence.
The upcoming multi-stakeholder initiative aims to thoroughly examine issues surrounding GBV and develop effective strategies to combat it across various sectors.
