MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has announced that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) will embark on a recruitment exercise to strengthen the country’s police force.
The King said additional officers were needed to meet the demands of a growing population and replace those reaching retirement age. His Majesty made the announcement during the 23rd Police Day celebrations at the Matsapha Police Academy yesterday, where the country also commemorated 119 years of policing.
He said increasing police numbers was essential to ensure the organisation remained adequately staffed and capable of fulfilling its constitutional mandate. “As the nation’s population continues to grow, there is a need to increase the number of police officers in the country. Recruitment is necessary to replace officers who retire and to ensure that the organisation remains adequately staffed,” he said.
His Majesty also promoted officers to the ranks of assistant commissioner, senior assistant commissioner and assistant national commissioner, urging them to execute their responsibilities with integrity, diligence and professionalism. He further paid tribute to retiring officers, thanking them for their dedicated service to the nation.
Addressing police officers, government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and regional police chiefs, the King commended REPS for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the kingdom.
He said the parade and tactical demonstrations reflected the discipline, professionalism and operational readiness expected of the country’s police officers. “You have demonstrated your continuous commitment to the responsibility entrusted to you of protecting the nation. Today, you have shown that you are prepared, disciplined and always ready to carry out your duties,” the King said.
The King praised the organisation for equipping officers with modern policing skills to combat emerging threats, particularly cybercrime and other technology-driven offences. He said specialised training, both locally and internationally, would further strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to evolving criminal activities.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining physical fitness, saying policing is a 24-hour responsibility that requires officers to always remain prepared. “The work of a police officer demands constant readiness. Whether in uniform or out of uniform, you must always be prepared to respond whenever duty calls.”
His Majesty commended the teamwork displayed during the parade and applauded specialised units, including the Operational Support Services Unit and the Tactical Response Team, saying their continued growth had strengthened the operational capacity of the police service.
His Majesty also praised the practical demonstrations staged by police officers during the celebrations, saying they reflected the courage, resilience and professionalism required in policing.
He said the displays highlighted the difficult and often dangerous situations officers encountered in the line of duty, while demonstrating that effective policing depends on strong partnerships with communities rather than portraying the police as enemies of the people. The King commended the Royal Eswatini Police Service for the noticeable decline in crime across the kingdom, urging officers not to relent in their efforts but to continue exploring strategies aimed at eliminating crime altogether.
He observed that many crimes were increasingly originating within families and encouraged the police to strengthen crime prevention initiatives tar eting homes and communities. His Majesty further applauded officers for taking policing services and crime prevention education directly to communities, saying public awareness and community engagement remained vital in preventing criminal activities before they occurred.
The King also praised the strong collaboration between the police, the judiciary and other stakeholders in the administration of justice, saying partnerships among institutions continued to strengthen the country’s fight against crime and enhance public safety.
He further commended police officers for their continued support of vulnerable members of society, describing such acts of compassion as a reflection of the service’s commitment to protecting and serving all emaSwati.
His Majesty also applauded the Junior Police Squad for its impressive presentation during the celebrations, saying it was encouraging to see young people embracing discipline, patriotism and service from an early age, which boded well for the future of policing in the kingdom.
The King also congratulated REPS for assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), describing the appointment as a significant honour for both the organisation and the kingdom. He assured the police service of government’s full support in executing the regional responsibility and urged officers to raise the standard of policing within the region while ensuring Eswatini left a lasting legacy during its tenure.
His Majesty further commended police officers for maintaining peace, security and the rule of law, saying their dedication continued to create a safe environment for emaSwati and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.
He also acknowledged an officer who was unable to receive a promotion during the ceremony because he had been deployed on an operational assignment, describing the situation as a demonstration of the commitment and selflessness expected of members of the service.
Concluding his address, the King thanked the police service for the gifts presented to him, including donations for Her Majesty the Indlovukazi’s Philani Maswati programme for vulnerable members of society, saying the gesture reflected the compassionate spirit of REPS. He encouraged officers to remain steadfast in serving the nation with courage, discipline and professionalism.
His Majesty commended every member of the Royal Eswatini Police Service for their unwavering loyalty to the Crown and service to the nation. He said the uniform the police officers wear represents integrity, discipline, courage and selfless service. “These values must continue to guide your conduct as you carry out your responsibilities,” the King said.
The King said new security challenges emerge as the nation continues to develop. The head of State said these challenges include cybercrime, organised crime, drug trafficking, gender-based violence and crimes against vulnerable members of society.
He urged the police service to continue embracing innovation, strengthening intelligence-led policing. Ingwenyama ordered police to enhance partnerships with communities and international counterparts to effectively address these challenges, which remain critical. He said police officers chose a noble profession that requires honesty, fairness and compassion, ordering them to serve every citizen without fear or favour.
The King also commanded them to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the kingdom. He said they must always remember that public trust is earned through professional and ethical conduct. The King said government remains committed to strengthening the capacity of the Royal Eswatini Police Service through improved training, modern equipment and institutional development.
Ingwenyama noted that a capable and professional police service is essential for creating a secure environment that attracts investment, promotes tourism and supports the national development agenda. “We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the families of police officers. Your support and understanding enables our officers to perform their demanding duties, often at great personal sacrifice. The nation values your contribution,” he appreciated.
As they celebrate the Police Day, he urged them to renew their collective commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Eswatini. The King said security is a shared responsibility, encouraging every citizen to work closely with the police service in preventing crime and promoting harmony within communities.
Ingwenyama said he is pleased that police are now involved in many sides of social life such as being mediators in disputes, counsellors to people in distress and educators on issues of crime prevention.
