BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – The celebrations may have ended, but for 59 newly promoted police officers, the weight of protecting lives, enforcing the law and earning the public’s trust has only grown heavier.
That was the powerful message delivered by National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango as he congratulated officers promoted from the rank of Inspector to Assistant National Commissioner during a courtesy gathering at Police Headquarters on Monday, following the 23rd Police Day celebrations.
Before addressing the officers, Masango paid homage to His Majesty King Mswati III for the executive promotions announced during Police Day, describing the appointments as a significant milestone for the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
However, he made it clear that while promotions are a moment of pride, they also mark the beginning of greater responsibility.
“A promotion comes with professional obligations, and the higher the rank, the greater the responsibility,” Masango said, urging the officers to lead with integrity, remain disciplined and set an example for those serving under them.
He reminded the officers that every new badge symbolises confidence placed in them by the nation and challenged them to honour that confidence through their conduct and commitment to duty.
“Your promotion is a recognition of your commitment, discipline, competence and dedication. I charge each one of you to wear your rank with pride and let your performance speak even louder than the insignia on your shoulders,” he said.
Masango stressed that promotions within the police service are earned through merit rather than personal connections.
“A promotion is not a favour. It is recognition of discipline, professionalism, commitment and dedication in the performance of duty,” he said.
He reinforced the message by telling the newly promoted officers that their advancement was not a reward for friendship with the National Commissioner, but an acknowledgement of their hard work and service. He challenged them to work even harder and uphold the values expected of police leaders.
The Commissioner also extended his congratulations to officers promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Assistant Inspector, encouraging them to lead by example and strengthen public confidence in policing through professionalism and ethical conduct.
The promotions were made to fill vacancies created by retirements, resignations and the deaths of serving officers. Including the 19 executive promotions conferred by His Majesty King Mswati III during Friday’s Police Day celebrations, a total of 59 officers have now been elevated to ranks between Inspector and Assistant National Commissioner.
The exercise also reflected gradual progress in advancing women within police leadership, with 13 female officers among those promoted into the senior ranks.
For the newly promoted officers, the new insignia represents more than career advancement. It is a public pledge to lead with integrity, uphold the law without fear or favour and strengthen the confidence that emaSwati place in the Royal Eswatini Police Service every day.
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