No REPS recruitment this year – NATCOM
By Thokozani Mazibuko
National Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Vusi Manoma Masango, has confirmed that there will be no recruitment of new police officers this year.
He disclosed this during an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, where he addressed several administrative and operational issues affecting the police service.
Responding to questions from committee members, Masango explained that recruitment is guided strictly by the establishment approved by the Ministry of Public Service.
He said the police service cannot independently decide to hire new officers without official authorisation.
“The year has ended, and we only rely on the posts provided by the Ministry of Public Services when it comes to recruitment,” he told the PAC, which is chaired by Mhlangatane Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga.
His remarks come amid growing public speculation about the possibility of new recruitments following retirements and rising operational demands.
Masango stressed that the REPS continues to manage its manpower within the limits of approved staffing levels and budgetary constraints.
On a separate matter, the National Commissioner addressed concerns over the police service’s longstanding decision to stop hiring external drivers. He said the directive was introduced after repeated challenges linked to discipline among previously hired civilian drivers.
“We no longer hire drivers because of ill discipline. We decided to upgrade officers internally,” Masango said. He added that training police officers to assume driving duties ensures better accountability and strengthens the overall effectiveness of the service.
Masango further noted that the limited availability of vehicles also influenced the decision. He said most departments within the police service do not own vehicles and instead rely on cars allocated from the Central Transport Administration pool.
“Most importantly, it is our service to the country in safety and security,” he explained, emphasising that internal capacity-building remains key to maintaining operational readiness.
The PAC session highlighted ongoing resource pressures within the police service, including staff shortages and logistical constraints. Despite these challenges, Masango reaffirmed the REPS’ commitment to fulfilling its mandate of maintaining law, order and public safety.
