MANZINI – National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango has strongly condemned police officers who remain in their offices waiting for members of the public to report crimes, instead of taking proactive steps to prevent criminal activities.
Masango’s remarks are likely to strike a chord with some residents who have previously complained about the way certain crime reports were handled. Some aggrieved members of the public have accused police officers of remaining in their offices instead of promptly responding to incidents reported by victims. In some instances, residents claimed they were informed that officers could not attend to crime scenes immediately due to a shortage of operational vehicles, leaving victims frustrated and feeling abandoned at a time when they needed assistance the most.
Addressing a crime alert campaign held at St Paul’s Primary School under Manzini North Inkhundla, Masango said the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was shifting its focus towards crime prevention and proactive policing to ensure communities were protected before crimes occurred. The campaign brought together police officers, community police structures, municipal police officers, traditional leaders, political representatives and residents to discuss strategies aimed at tackling the escalating crime situation in the area.
Masango said the days of relying solely on investigations after crimes had already been committed should come to an end. “We do not want emaSwati to continue living in fear while we are present as police officers. Police officers must be on the ground preventing crime instead of waiting to investigate crime after it has already happened,” he said.
The national commissioner said communities expected police officers to be visible and actively engaged in protecting residents from criminal elements. He said with proper planning and implementation of crime-fighting strategies, areas such as Manzini North should experience significantly lower levels of housebreakings and robberies.
Masango’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing concerns over crime in Manzini North, where residents have reported increasing incidents of muggings, housebreakings and violent robberies. Community members attending the campaign described a situation in which many residents were now living in fear as criminals continued to target homes and individuals. Manzini Police Station Commander Superintendent Zakhele Dlamini confirmed that cases of mugging and housebreaking remained a major concern in the policing area.
He said criminals often targeted residents during the early hours of the morning and late at night, creating anxiety among community members.
The station commander said police continued to work tirelessly to combat crime, but acknowledged that the challenge remained significant.
Chairperson of the community police Mandla Dlamini said community policing structures remained committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.
However, he highlighted a number of operational challenges affecting community police officers.
Dlamini appealed for more training opportunities and capacity-building programmes to equip community police members with the skills needed to effectively respond to criminal activities.
He also called for financial support, saying community police officers often carried out their duties under difficult circumstances and with limited resources. Speaking on behalf of the Municipal Police, Ephraim Mazibuko stressed the importance of cooperation among all security stakeholders.
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National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango delivering remarks at the gathering, addressing residents and stakeholders on crime prevention strategies and community safety. (Pic: Siphosethu Dlamini)