BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE– Police officers, and technology partners gathered at the Ministry of ICT Conference Room in Mbabane to present how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will support the Royal Eswatini Police Service by improving crime prevention, response, and investigations through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
The presentation focused on proposed AI solutions aimed at strengthening policing and improving public safety across the country. The initiative will help officers work faster, respond better, and make informed decisions using modern technology.
Inspector Banele Thwala, who represented the speech, said AI will help police improve their daily operations. He explained that these tools will allow officers to detect crime early, analyse patterns, and respond in real time.
Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Hon. Savannah Maziya, commended the presentation by Presight, part of G42. She highlighted the power of AI to transform policing in Eswatini and improve service delivery.
She emphasised that through partnership with the United Arab Emirates, the country will have an opportunity to strengthen the Royal Eswatini Police Service. She noted that smart technology will support faster decision-making, better coordination, and more proactive security solutions.
When asked how AI could support police work, Crime Investigator Badelisa Magagula said the first line of defence in policing is prevention. He explained that AI will assist in proactive crime prevention and predictive crime analytics, helping officers stop crime before it happens.
Magagula also highlighted the importance of digital forensics, especially in cases involving cellphones and computers. He added that the integration of data will improve investigations by allowing police to connect information from different sources more effectively.
AI tools are expected to help police monitor public spaces, plan patrol routes, and improve emergency response through GPS-enabled systems. This will ensure that officers reach people in need quickly and efficiently.
Modern systems such as fingerprint and facial recognition are also expected to improve investigations by helping police identify individuals faster and more accurately, while also strengthening cybersecurity to protect police systems from digital threats.
This planned development shows a positive step towards modern policing in Eswatini. With continued collaboration and innovation, AI is expected to play a key role in building safer communities and improving the lives of citizens.
#SmarterPolicing #SaferCommunities #AIInnovation #DigitalEswatini #PublicSafety
(Courtesy Pic)
