EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has commended senators for the unity and cooperation they continue to demonstrate, noting that such harmony is essential for the country’s progress.
Addressing senators during a workshop on the Police Service Act, 2018 Regulations, Dlamini said the level of cohesion within the Senate was exemplary and wished it could extend to other chambers and to the nation at large. He stressed that national unity would inevitably translate into positive results for the Kingdom of Eswatini. Dlamini made reference to the biblical account of people uniting to build a tower found in Genesis 11:1-9, known as the story of the Tower of Babel, where all humanity, speaking one language, decided to unite and build a city and a tower to reach the Heavens.
“When people come together, united for a certain purpose, nothing can stand in their way. The unity that exists within senate is so strong that if it could blow out to other chambers and the entire nation, a lot could be achieved,” he said.
The PM’s remarks came as the minister responsible for police affairs presented the Police Service Regulations 2025 before the senators. The regulations, already passed by the House of Assembly, are now before senators for consideration, deliberation and eventual passage.
In his address, he highlighted the critical role of the police service in maintaining peace, enforcing the law and safeguarding the lives and property of emaSwati.
He underscored His Majesty the King’s earlier call from the Throne for strengthened public safety measures and the urgent apprehension of offenders.
Dlamini explained that the proposed regulations, derived from the Police Service Act No. 22 of 2018, cover key areas such as conduct, discipline, appointments, probation, promotions, retirement, resignation and the establishment of the Royal Eswatini Police Service Staff Association.
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… cops with pending DC’s not off the hook
EZULWINI – Police officers who have elongated pending disciplinary hearings are not off the hook.
This is because the regulations provide for the establishment of the Police Sector Service Commission ,which delegates to the national commissioner (NATCOM) of Police the power to discipline officers below the rank of deputy national commissioner. Section 189 (3) of the Constitution reflects that subject to any lawful superior orders, the command and overall superintendence of the police service shall vest in the commissioner of police who shall also be responsible for the administration and discipline of the police service.
While speaking to reporters yesterday, NATCOM Manoma Masango revealed that there are multiple pending disciplinary cases involving police. He said the tendency was that when facing a DC, police would rush to court to stop it, many citing the nonexistence of the commission.
“We have cases dating as far back as five years ago, but with the regulations coming to life, we hope that the pending disciplinary issues will be attended to,” he said.
Masango highlighted that it has been seven years since the Act came into existence but there were no regulations to operationalise it, hence they were long overdue. Clause 11 (4) (5) of the regulations reflect that there shall be established subsidiary promotions Boards, which shall comprise of; Station Promotions Board; Regional Selection Board; Operational Support Services Unit Promotions Board; Police Academy Promotions Board; and Police Headquarters Promotions Selection Board.
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