BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – “Joining the ranks of the police service, you have chosen to be servants of the public entrusted with the responsibility of protecting, helping, and reassuring the nation. This is a responsibility that is both an honour and a privilege that you must discharge with the highest level of diligence.”
The above heartfelt message was relayed by His Majesty King Mswati III to the 594 police recruits that passed out.
During the 20th Police Day and Pass Out parade, His Majesty urged the Nation to support the new Royal Eswatini Police Service recruits in ensuring that crime and everything else that disrupts social order in the country is brought under control.
During the same event, His Majesty also promoted five senior Police officers. The Prime Minister also reported that in the past year, volume crime decreased by a margin of 7 percent whilst serious and fatal traffic accidents went down by 5.9 percent and 3.2 percent respectively.
Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini presented excellence awards to 16 outstanding police recruits on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Meanwhile the King urged all law-abiding emaSwati to continue supporting the police in ensuring that crime and everything else that disrupts social order in the country is brought under control.
“This can be done by promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the police, providing information when required, and refraining from harbouring those who commit crimes.”
“The Government is committed to supporting all measures aimed at minimising the scourge of crime and safeguarding the peace and security of the Nation,” said His Majesty.
In addition to that he said, everything possible will be done to ensure that the police service has at its disposal all the working tools necessary to discharge its mandate efficiently. The welfare of officers will also continue to be prioritised so that issues of concern are dealt with in an expeditious manner.
“The role played by the police in the country to ensure that the safety and security of the Nation is guaranteed. This is a key pillar for economic development, without which nothing can be accomplished. We, therefore, commend our police officers for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their noble duties,” said the King.
His Majesty also noted the sleepless nights endured by the police in trying to make sure emaSwati are safe, following the security threat challenges experienced in the recent past. The King was pleased that the situation has improved and is returning to normalcy, as they can now go about their day-to-day business without any fear of the unknown.
His Majesty King Mswati III highlighted the endless efforts to fight crime in the country as indeed encouraging.
He pleaded with the new recruits to continue to bring to justice all those who are breaking the law so that crime is brought under control.
“A country that has a high crime rate does not attract investors. They want peace and stability to prevail. Your swift and prompt arrest of those who break the law is appreciated by the nation and restores public confidence in the justice system,” “We are also encouraged by the reports we receive from time to time on on-going capacity-building interventions to repel crimes that are perpetrated through technological mediums, which are referred to as cyber-crimes. These interventions include the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) to promote security for the country’s digital and cyber-security systems,” said His Majesty.
