Just Thinking

The recent call by the National Commissioner of Police (NATCOM), Vusi Masango, for public assistance in rooting out ‘rotten potatoes’ within the force is not just a plea - it’s a crucial first step in a much-needed national crusade to restore public trust. This move is fully supported and we must acknowledge that while the majority of police officers are dedicated and honourable, a corrupt few threaten to dismantle the very foundations of law and order they are sworn to uphold.

Reports from various parts of the country paint a troubling picture. In Manzini, drug dealers seem to operate with impunity; allegedly receiving tips from within the police force, allowing them to evade raids and hide evidence. In the northern Hhohho Region, there are troubling allegations of officers living beyond their means, suspected of involvement in the illegal dagga trade. These instances are not isolated; they are symptoms of a deeper rot that, if left unchecked, will erode the public’s confidence in our law enforcement.

The bold decision to investigate police misconduct is a direct response to a number of high-profile cases that have exposed a disturbing nexus between criminals and law enforcers. The ongoing investigation into illegal mining, particularly of gold and green chert, serves as a stark example. As reported in the Times of Eswatini, a soldier’s affidavit revealed the suspicious behaviour of police officers who appeared to be protecting illegal miners, rather than apprehending them. Their unusual actions - such as quickly inspecting a vehicle with bags of gold soil and then insisting that confiscated items be taken to their station instead of the barracks - suggested complicity.

The commissioner himself has acknowledged that ‘there is a fibre of truth’ to allegations of police involvement in both dagga dealing and illegal mining, referring to it as a ‘thorny issue’.  This admission is a testament to the gravity of the problem and the courage it takes to confront it head-on.

While the call for public assistance is commendable, the national commissioner must implement a vigorous, multi-pronged strategy to ensure this clean-up campaign is effective and lasting. These could be included:

• Establish an independent task force: The commissioner needs to create a specialised unit with members who are beyond reproach. This team should operate with full autonomy to investigate allegations against officers without internal interference. It should be composed of seasoned investigators with a strong track record of integrity.
• Protect whistleblowers: The public’s willingness to come forward with information is critical, but it depends on trust. The commissioner must ensure a secure and confidential reporting mechanism is in place to protect those who provide information from reprisal. This is especially important for community members and police officers who may fear retaliation.
• Conduct lifestyle audits: The reports of officers living beyond their means are not to be taken lightly. A comprehensive and regular lifestyle audit of all police personnel, particularly those in high-risk areas, could help identify those with unexplained wealth and serve as a powerful deterrent against corruption.
• Enhance disciplinary procedures: To deal with internal misconduct, the disciplinary process must be swift, transparent and fair. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, with clear consequences that apply regardless of rank or position.
• Learn from regional precedents: The NATCOM’s acknowledgement of the South African Madlanga Commission is telling. The revelations from that commission - detailing how crime syndicates influence law enforcement and how individuals like Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala could obtain official documents and enjoy police protection - serve as a cautionary tale. Eswatini must learn from this to prevent similar systemic corruption from taking root.
• Collaborate with other agencies: The national commissioner’s mention of collaboration with other State agencies, such as the army and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, is a step in the right direction. Fighting organised crime and corruption requires a unified front.

The NATCOM’s move is a beacon of hope for a more just and accountable police force. His willingness to acknowledge the problem and invite public participation is a demonstration of leadership. We, the public, must answer this call and provide credible evidence. It is a shared responsibility. The fight against dirty cops is not just about cleaning up the police service; it’s about safeguarding our nation’s integrity and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

National Commissioner of Police Vusi Masango.