……. police are permitted by law to use certain force and guns
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The government of Eswatini has retaliated what His Majesty King Mswati III said in his speech from the throne for the opening of the 5th Session of the 11th Parliament for the Nation.
This afternoon, the government took an opportunity to categorically put things into proper perspective with respect to the call from the Throne.
Through the Government’s Spokesperson, Alephous Nxumalo it was stated that this call from the Throne is legitimate, urgent and imperative. However, Government has noted with concern the obvious misinterpretation and application of the call to ‘Silence the Guns’
According to Nxumalo, His Majesty’s call was inspired by the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It aspires to end wars and conflicts, prevent genocide and stop gender-based violence.
It seeks to free Africa from the many destructive effects of gun-related violence and armed conflicts by the year 2030.
“Primarily, guns that need to be and must be silenced are those which are illegitimately or illegally in the hands of people in the country.
“The call to silence the guns was never directed to the national security services, especially the police service,” he said.
In addition, he said to make inferences that the call means that police can no longer legitimately use guns to protect themselves when being attacked by criminals and by other rowdy elements in society, is not only mischievous but also plain naive.
“There is no politician or Parliamentarian worth the honour who does not know that police are permitted by law to use certain force when executing their duties, especially when they are being attacked or there is resistance of lawful arrest,” he said
Nxumalo went on to quote Section 189 of the National Constitution, as read together with the Police Service Act, which mandates the police with the duty to preserve peace and prevent crime. In the execution of such, they are empowered to carry firearms.
To this the Government mouthpiece, said therefore, the symbols of lapel pins, badges and emblems attached to the Uniforms of national security services officers are representative of the Nation, people and the State.
He said They are the visible authority and power endowed upon the national security services. They are endowed upon them by the Constitution and by other subordinate legislative acts.
“ This is the reason why the uniform of all national security services is protected State property. That is why a national security services officer, whether short or tall; male or female; black or white, or anything in between, will stop a huge truck on the road by simply raising one hand.
“Hence anyone who attacks a uniformed officer of the State is as good as having attacked the people of that country, institutions of the country and the State itself,” he said.
Worth noting is that National security officers display their badges, patches or lapel pins to indicate pride in their work and commitment to the service.
For officers of the law with rank, their lapel pins show how hardworking they are and their sacrifices for the communities.
In hindsight, His Majesty’s Government urged all emaSwati to respect, cooperate with and support national security officers while they are executing their duties.
Nxumalo in conclusion said: The National security services of this country are not enemies of the people, but partners, defenders, and protectors of the people.
Additionally, he said they are carrying out their respective duties diligently, lawfully and by adhering to the provisions of the Constitution.
