PM hints at possible police recruitment, promotions
By Kwanele Dhladhla
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has hinted that government may soon consider fresh recruitments and promotions within the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) as part of efforts to strengthen the force’s capacity and morale.
The PM made these remarks in response to questions from Sigwe Member of Parliament (MP) David Ngcamphalala.
The MP had raised concerns about manpower shortages, delayed promotions, deteriorating police housing, and the lack of adequate transport in some police stations.
In his response, the PM acknowledged the challenges facing the police service but assured the House that the government was looking into measures to address them.
“Government will consider the issue of recruitment in the Police Service, as we are aware that there are existing vacancies that need to be filled for the organisation to be properly capacitated to discharge its mandate.
It must be acknowledged, though, that such things largely depend on budget availability,” said Dlamini.
The response has been largely viewed to rekindle hope among many young Emaswati who have long awaited an opportunity to join the police service, as well as within the ranks of serving officers who have been anticipating promotions.
On the issue of promotions, the PM revealed that the process was already under consideration.
“Promotions in the police service will, in due course, be announced when all necessary processes have been undertaken.
The Police leadership is consulting with the Ministry of Public Service on this issue and is positive that there will be a fruitful outcome,” he assured.
Ngcamphalala also questioned the state of police accommodation, noting that many officers were housed in dilapidated structures unfit for habitation.
In response, the PM conceded that the housing situation remains a concern but stated that government was taking steps to improve conditions.
“It is true that most housing structures for the Police Service are not in a good state. To address this problem, government provides a budget for the rehabilitation of old housing units for the Police Service on an annual basis,” Dlamini said.
He further announced that government, through the Eswatini National Housing Board (ENHB), would roll out a programme to construct new housing units for police officers in various regions.
Turning to the issue of transport shortages, Ngcamphalala cited Matsapha police station as an example. He claimed that it only had one operational vehicle, which hindered effective policing.
In response, Dlamini said government was aware of the challenge and had begun addressing it during the current financial year.
“The persistent problem of shortage of transport for the police is being addressed by government. During the current financial year, new vehicles were allocated to the police service to alleviate the problem, and more will continue to be provided,” he stated.
The PM commended the National Commissioner, Manoma Masango, and the entire police service for their continued commitment despite operational constraints.
“We thank the MP for the plaudits and recognition of the National Commissioner’s efforts in ensuring effectiveness of the Police Service in discharging its mandate,” said Dlamini.
The PM’s remarks reaffirmed that while budgetary limitations remain a challenge, the government was intent on prioritising police welfare and operational capacity in the near future.
The recruitment and promotions, if approved, could mark a significant morale boost for the force and potentially enhance law enforcement visibility and effectiveness across the country, said one of the affected police officers who preferred anonymity.
