BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Wisdom and divine guidance.
These are some of the traits that Eswatini Prime Minister His Excellency Cleopas Dlamini said police needed to execute their duties.
He said this during the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Annual Prayer Day which was held at the Police Academy in Matsapha today.
His Excellency said this prayer service was an opportunity for the REPS to seek God’s guidance in this new policing year as you carry out the various programmes you have planned for the year.
“I believe this culture and practice of prayer is what has sustained the organisation to-date and enabled it to continue successfully delivering on its mandate over the years.
“Police work is onerous, demanding and characterised by numerous risks. To discharge it effectively, divine guidance, assistance and wisdom is an utmost necessity.
“In the time I have served as Minister for the Police, I have come to terms with how demanding and difficult police work is. Hence, to have a day such as this one where we pray for God’s continued sustenance is the best thing to do.
“We need God to help us, as the Police Service, to overcome the many challenges that you face as you carry out your daily duties. Therefore, as we pray today in one voice in this convocation of Police officers, members of the Christian fraternity and all other stakeholders that are present, we are confident that God will provide us with the answers we seek because he has assured us in His Word that when we pray and seek His face, He will hear from heaven and provide the respite we need,” said the PM.
The PM also highlighted on avoidance of acts that taint police image.
“I also hope that today’s prayer day will be a time of reflection and introspection for all Police officers to assess whether the conduct they exhibit is still in tandem with their Oath of Office and inspires Public confidence.
“The public places a lot of trust on members of the Police Service and has expectations on how Police officers should conduct themselves. I therefore urge officers to consistently strive to exhibit behaviour that is in line with the ethical code of conduct and the laws that regulate the Police Service. Any conduct that taints the image of the Police Service should be avoided at all costs, as reputational damage, is never easy to redress.
“As we enter the New Year, there is a lot that the Police Service needs to achieve, as well as other events that are critical for the Nation’s continued progress. I therefore urge that we pray for all policing and National activities lined up for year 2023 to be a success,” said His Excellency.
