BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI– EmaSwati hoping to join the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) have been urged to remain patient and vigilant, as police confirmed that preparations for the recruitment of new officers are progressing but the application process has not yet officially opened.
The clarification follows His Majesty King Mswati III’s announcement during the 119th Anniversary and 23rd Police Day celebrations that REPS would recruit new officers this year to fill vacant posts.
While the announcement has generated excitement among prospective applicants, REPS has warned that no applications are currently being accepted and members of the public should be wary of anyone claiming otherwise.
REPS Superintendent Phindile Zwane said the police service was currently undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that the recruitment exercise is conducted fairly, transparently and successfully.
“Recruitment has not started,” Zwane said.
She explained that although His Majesty, who is the National Commissioner-In-Chief, has given approval for the recruitment exercise, several administrative preparations have to be completed before the official process can begin.
The police have therefore appealed to prospective recruits not to rush into submitting documents or responding to unofficial messages circulating on social media and other platforms.
Of particular concern to REPS is the possibility of fraudsters attempting to take advantage of unemployed young people who are eager to secure jobs in the police service.
Police stressed that REPS jobs are not for sale.
No police officer, official or intermediary is authorised to demand money, gifts or favours from applicants in exchange for securing employment.
There are also no fees attached to recruitment forms, documents, applications or any other part of the recruitment process, according to the police service.
Zwane urged job seekers and their families to treat any request for payment connected to police recruitment as a warning sign.
The caution is intended to protect prospective applicants from losing their hard-earned money to people who may exploit the excitement surrounding the anticipated recruitment.
Once recruitment officially begins, REPS said the public will receive a formal announcement detailing exactly who qualifies, when applications will open, what documents will be required and how prospective recruits should apply.
The announcement will be distributed through official REPS communication platforms, the Government Gazette, national radio and reputable media organisations.
This means prospective applicants do not need to rely on rumours, unofficial social-media posts or individuals claiming to have inside connections.
REPS further warned that anyone found conducting or assisting fraudulent recruitment schemes could be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
For thousands of EmaSwati who may be looking forward to the opportunity to serve their country through the police service, the message from REPS is therefore clear: prepare, remain patient and wait for the official announcement.
The forthcoming recruitment exercise is expected to open opportunities for new officers to enter the police service while helping REPS fill existing vacancies and strengthen its human-resource capacity.
Until the official advert is released, however, prospective recruits are being encouraged to protect themselves by trusting only information coming from recognised REPS and Government communication channels.
(Courtesy Pic)
