Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has honoured five retired deputy national commissioners for their service in the country.
Speaking during a farewell function held in honour of the retired officers at Matsapha Police Academy last Wednesday, the National Commissioner of Police William Tsitsibala Dlamini said the organisation was forever grateful for the unwavering loyalty and commitment the five displayed during their tenure in the police service.
The five officers who were honoured were Moses Velamuva Maseko, Anthony ‘Sikiza’ Vilakati, Charles Dumsani Tsabedze, Patrick Ngwane Mabuza and Fana Ross Maseko who collectively served for 150 years in the police profession and retired without any blemishes.
Their distinguished service is complemented by vast experience, knowledge and diverse skills.
The national commissioner expressed his gratitude to the retired officers for their unwavering loyalty, commitment and sacrifice to their majesties, government, police service and the nation at large.
“We hope and believe that you will readily avail yourselves to us from time to time as we seek your advice and insight on safety and national security matters,” Dlamini said.
He mentioned that the organisation still regarded the retired officers as police officers and encouraged them to attend police functions and events whether invited or not. Dlamini said their contribution to the growth, development, evolution and transformation of the police organisation over the recent years was evident and appreciated.
“We wish to congratulate you on being fortunate enough to serve your enlistment until becoming legible for retirement. That achievement cannot be taken for granted and you should be thankful and give Glory to the Almighty Lord for showering you with His love and blessings as well as keeping you in good health thus far.”
Dlamini said the retired officers had earned a well-deserved rest from the ever-changing dynamics of policing responsibilities. He said they were now expected to be advocates of REPS crime prevention initiatives, counsellors to those troubled, mediators in domestic and other communal disputes.
To the officers who are still active in service, the national commissioner urged them to continue working with due diligence, dedication, resilience and commitment.
retiring
He encouraged younger officers to strive to emulate the legacy that the retiring officers were leaving behind as well as being living examples of professionalism, loyalty and dedication to service.
He emphasised that ‘policing is a calling that demands selfless dedication to duty’. He further said that this vocation required one to be committed in the discharge of their duties of keeping people safe and secure.
On another note, the national commissioner marveled the performance of entertainers from the police service’s cultural dance groups. He said culture was powerful and it was one mechanism used by the police service to strengthen relations with the public.
He suggested that there should be a culture day, where they would be various cultural dance groups showcasing their dancing talents and later on crowning the best performer. On behalf of the police service, the national commissioner presented each officer with one heifer and other gifts as a token of appreciation.
Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, Patrick Ngwane Mabuza expressed their appreciation for being bid farewell in such a fashion, saying they felt honoured to have served the country and the organisation.
He said despite reaching the mandatory retirement age, they would always remain officers of the law and continue to be loyal and serve the country whenever needed. Mabuza also acknowledged the relationship between sister forces.
He urged all officers in the security agencies to continue working in harmony and collaboration in providing security and safety in the country.
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