By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has received a significant boost in its ongoing efforts to combat crime, thanks to a vehicle donation from Ubombo Sugar Limited.
The handover ceremony, held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, was attended by the National Commissioner of Police, William Vusie “Manoma” Masango, and the Director of Ubombo Sugar Limited, Muzi Siyaya.
The donated vehicle is a Toyota Hilux single cab, specially modified for police use and branded with “Big Bend General Patrol” under the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), complete with the contact number 2363-6416. It features an official police livery with the REPS badge, a mounted blue emergency light bar, and a canopy boldly marked “Donated by Ubombo Sugar Limited.” Built for durability and off-road performances.
The donated vehicle is expected to enhance police visibility, improve response times, and strengthen community policing efforts, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Speaking during the ceremony, NATCOM Masango expressed his appreciation for the generous gesture, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting national safety.
“This gesture affirms that fighting crime isn’t a task the Royal Eswatini Police Service can do alone it is a collective effort,” said Masango. “We see this vehicle as more than just a means of mobility; it’s a valuable tool that will help us respond faster, patrol more effectively, and remain closer to the communities we serve.”
Ubombo Sugar Director Muzi Siyaya reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the safety and development of the communities surrounding its operations. He noted that the donation reflects their broader dedication to national development initiatives beyond their core business.
REPS has consistently called on stakeholders to play an active role in crime prevention. With the support of partners like Ubombo Sugar Limited, the police service hopes to strengthen its capacity to protect and serve the people of Eswatini.
The ceremony ended on a high note, symbolizing a united front in the fight against crime, with a simple but powerful message: “Together, we are driving change one kilometre at a time.”
This donation follows a similar gesture last month, when the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, led by Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, received an Alcohol Evidence Truck from Eswatini Beverages. That donation also aims to significantly improve the operational capacity of REPS in enforcing alcohol-related laws.
(Courtesy Pics)
