BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI— The fight against crime in Manzini North has received a significant boost after 77 Community Police members completed a certified two-day training programme and received essential equipment to strengthen their role in protecting communities.
The members completed the training at Manzini Infant Practising Primary School on August 13, 2026, in a programme facilitated by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). The training equipped them with practical knowledge and skills to support community-based crime prevention, with all 77 members receiving certificates upon completion.
The initiative was coordinated through the Manzini North Inkhundla Council, under the leadership of Sifiso Nhlengetfwa (MP), Indvuna Yenkhundla Siboniso Mandlazi and Bucopho representing the six constituencies.
The equipment support followed a crime-prevention engagement at St Paul’s attended by National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango, where the need for stronger community participation in combating crime was emphasised.
Masango subsequently committed to supporting the Community Police initiative, recognising the crucial role residents can play alongside professional law enforcement.
“The fight against crime requires the involvement of our communities. We cannot do it alone,” Masango said.
That commitment has now materialised in practical support, with the 77 members receiving uniforms, boots, safety clothing, handcuffs and working kits.
The equipment was handed over by Assistant National Commissioner Emmanuel Dlamini, representing Manzini Regional Commissioner Schoolboy Simelane.
Dlamini urged the newly trained members to use the equipment responsibly and maintain close cooperation with REPS.
“This equipment comes with responsibility. Use it properly and work closely with the police and the communities you serve,” Dlamini said.
The handover is expected to improve the visibility and preparedness of the Community Police while strengthening public confidence in the community policing structure.
Speaking during the initiative, Khisimusi Ndlovu, Chairperson of the Masundvwini Royal Kraal Council, expressed appreciation for the support and acknowledged the different stakeholders involved.
“We appreciate the support that has been given to the Community Police. We thank His Majesty King Mswati III for the kit and assistance towards this initiative,” Ndlovu said.
He also commended Masango, police leadership and the training facilitators for strengthening the capacity of the 77 members.
“The knowledge shared by the police facilitators will help these members in their communities. We are grateful for the effort that has gone into preparing them for this responsibility,” Ndlovu added.
The training was supported by REPS officers, including Assistant Inspector Cebsile Dlamini-Ngubane, while Constable Mandisa Dhladla, Manzini Accident Prevention Officer, also participated.
Their involvement gave the Community Police members an opportunity to receive direct guidance from professional law-enforcement officers while strengthening the working relationship between REPS and community structures.
The initiative also brings together local leadership and community representatives in a coordinated response to crime. The involvement of Bucopho from the six constituencies is expected to strengthen communication and cooperation across Manzini North.
Sifiso Nhlengetfwa (MP) said the initiative demonstrated the importance of collective action in creating safer communities.
“When our communities, leadership and police work together, we create a stronger response to crime. These 77 members are now better prepared to support that effort,” Nhlengetfwa said.
Indvuna Yenkhundla Siboniso Mandlazi echoed the call for active community participation.
“Community policing gives residents an opportunity to take responsibility for the safety of their own communities while working under the guidance of the police,” Mandlazi said.
With their training completed and equipment in hand, the 77 members are now expected to return to their respective communities and put their newly acquired skills into practice.
Their responsibilities include supporting crime-prevention initiatives, promoting vigilance, sharing information with REPS and encouraging residents to take an active role in protecting their neighbourhoods.
The provision of uniforms and working equipment is also expected to make the members more visible and easily identifiable, strengthening their presence within the communities they serve.
The Manzini North initiative reinforces the growing importance of community participation in crime prevention. Residents are often among the first to notice suspicious activities and emerging security concerns, making their cooperation an important part of the broader crime-fighting effort.
However, community participation is most effective when supported by proper training, clear responsibilities and a strong relationship with professional law enforcement.
For the 77 graduates, the certificates represent the completion of an important training milestone, while the uniforms, boots, safety clothing, handcuffs and working kits represent a responsibility to serve with discipline and commitment.
The initiative has therefore moved beyond training and equipment handover. It has established a stronger platform for collaboration between REPS, local leadership, traditional structures and residents.
As the 77 Community Police members return to their communities, expectations will now shift from preparation to action.
With sustained cooperation and support, Manzini North is positioning community policing as an important frontline component in preventing crime and building safer neighbourhoods.
The message from the initiative is clear: the fight against crime is strongest when police and communities stand together.
#ManziniNorth #CommunityPolice #CrimePrevention #RoyalEswatiniPolice #CommunitySafety #PoliceCommunityPartnership #ManziniNorthInkhundla #Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
