swaziland times

MATSAPHA — “This is not a one-man show, it takes a collective effort and a united front to successfully fight crime.”

This was the speech delivered by the new National Police Commissioner (NATCOM), Vusi Manoma Masango, at the Matsapa Police Academy yesterday afternoon. He was appointed as the Commissioner by King Nswati III. In an interview after taking office, Masango admitted that it all came as a shock to him, but he was quick to express confidence that he was ready for the tasks ahead. “I am still trying to come to terms with this appointment and I can only say bye to the King and thank him for his trust. When His Majesty places so much trust in you, you feel very humbled. In fact, it is a difficult task because this kind of responsibility is always heavy.

“This is not a one-man show, we need the joint efforts from the top of the police force to the grassroots officers. If we are united, we can succeed in fighting crime,” said Masango. Masango also called on all stakeholders, including the media, to give positive feedback and support to the police, stressing: “Do not focus on criticising us, but rather provide us with information to make our work easier and more efficient.” He joined the police force in 1986 and had been a police officer for 38 years before being commissioned as a police officer yesterday. “When you count the years I have served in the police force, I am close to retirement age, but when you are given a responsibility like this, you cannot say you are close to retirement age.” “You just accept the tasks that are given, especially for those of us who have joined the kubutseka,” Masango said.

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His appointment ends months of speculation about the next NATCOM following the tragic death of William Tsitsibala Dlamini, with Lydia Dlamini being appointed to take the helm. His Majesty announced NATCOM’s appointment on Police Day, which celebrates the 117th anniversary of the country’s police force. “I have been praying to the Almighty God that He would assign good officers to take the helm and achieve the desired goals of our police department,” King said.

Significantly, the King said he was appointed to the position despite Masango also retiring soon, following in the footsteps of Acting NATCOM (Lydia) The King officially announced that Acting NATCOM has officially retired and will now focus on her appointment as one of the King’s Commissions (emabandla). “The new NATCOM has a very demanding role as he is replacing a woman who has done an excellent job during her tenure. She represented women well and served the police with due diligence. She must continue to maintain her impressive work ethic even in other national duties assigned to her,” the King said.
According to information gathered, Masango is now over 50 years old and therefore he is expected to serve as the Police Commissioner for only one term (five years).