BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MATSAPHA – The ceremonial sword symbolising the leadership of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) was on Friday presented to His Majesty King Mswati III by National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango during the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s (REPS) 23rd Annual Police Day celebrations at the Matsapha Police Academy.
The presentation started with the Malawi Police Service officially handing over the ceremonial sword to the Royal Eswatini Police Service, marking Eswatini’s assumption of the rotating chairmanship of the regional policing body.
Commissioner Masango, who assumed the SARPCCO chairmanship in June 2026 during the organisation’s 31st Annual General Meeting held in Malawi, presented the sword to His Majesty as a symbol of Eswatini’s regional policing leadership and commitment to strengthening cooperation among Southern African police services.
The sword presentation formed one of the key highlights of this year’s Police Day celebrations, held under the theme “Policing with Agape Love.”
The event attracted senior government officials, members of the judiciary, Parliament, traditional leaders and police chiefs and delegations from across the Southern African region.
Among the visiting delegations were representatives from Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Rwanda, reflecting the strong regional partnerships fostered through SARPCCO.
Earlier in the programme, Their Majesties were welcomed with full ceremonial honours before His Majesty inspected the parade mounted by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
The celebrations also featured a colourful March Past and Drill Display led by Parade Commander Senior Superintendent Frank Hurube, showcasing the discipline, precision and professionalism of the police service. Various specialised policing units also marched before Their Majesties, demonstrating the Service’s operational capabilities in maintaining law and order.
SARPCCO brings together police services from Southern Africa to strengthen cross-border cooperation in combating transnational crime, improve information sharing and promote coordinated law enforcement efforts across the region.
Commissioner Masango succeeded Malawi’s Inspector General Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga as chairperson after taking over the annually rotating leadership in June this year.
The 23rd Police Day celebrations continued with various ceremonial activities celebrating the contribution of the Royal Eswatini Police Service to national and regional security.
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