BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – In a strong and united call for action, senators have urged Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini to take decisive steps to improve the working conditions and pay of police officers across Eswatini.
The call came on 11 August 2025 during the adoption of the 2025/26 first-quarter performance report, prepared by the Prime Minister’s Office Portfolio Committee.
The committee’s chairperson, Senator Prince Ngangabani, tabled the report for adoption, with support from fellow members including Senator Chief Ngome Ndlangamandla. Chief Ngome also raised the issue of escalating copper theft, citing 45 reported cases that have disrupted electricity supply and telecommunications across the country.
Equally concerning to senators was the rising number of suicide cases among police officers, highlighted by Senator Chief Zabeni Shiba. “We must understand what is driving this troubling trend,” Chief Shiba remarked, calling for urgent intervention.
Other senators, including Princess Ncengencenge, voiced concerns about the general state of Parliament and urged for improvement in public service structures.
Responding to these concerns, Senator Prince Ngangabani told the chamber that the Prime Minister had assured them of his commitment to work with relevant stakeholders in addressing the welfare of police officers. He further revealed that Police National Commissioner (NatCom) Vusi Manoma Masango had already appointed a commission to investigate the issues affecting officers, including the troubling rise in suicides.
The Prime Minister is reported to have stressed that mental health challenges are not unique to the police force but are a growing concern across the entire population. Nevertheless, senators agreed that the demands of police work make welfare improvements an urgent necessity.
Legislators concluded the session by voting overwhelmingly in favour of adopting the report, with a clear call for better salaries, improved resources, and enhanced support systems for officers on the front line. Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, who presided over the session, emphasised that a strong, motivated, and well-supported police force is essential for the nation’s safety and stability.
By placing the welfare of police officers firmly on the national agenda, senators hope this marks the beginning of a sustained commitment to ensuring that those who protect the country are themselves protected and empowered.
(Pic: Eswatini TV News)
