STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER
DR B.SIBUSISO DLAMINI
AT THE FAREWELL FUNCTION FOR TWO RETIRED DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS
AT MAVUSO TRADE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016
National Commissioner and Executive Command of the Royal Swaziland Police
Honourable Ministers
Chiefs
Heads of the Security Forces
Retired Deputy National Commissioners Sipho Dlamini and Khisimusi Ndlovu together with families
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Events such as this are always tinged with an element of sadness when two Deputy National Commissioners of the Royal Swaziland Police, both with a career of distinction, REACH the point of retirement. But it is also a moment for celebration and appreciation for what our Police Service, and the Nation itself, have gained from the loyal and dedicated service, rendered over the years by these two officers.
So, I am very pleased, as Minister responsible for the Royal Swaziland Police Service, to share this event with the two retiring officers, Messrs Sipho Dlamini and Khisimusi Ndlovu and their proud families, as well as with everyone else here today.
The two officers joined the Service in the 1970’s, with Mr Dlamini serving 44 years, and Mr Ndlovu a period of 40 years. In the early days they would be seen in khaki shorts and woollen grey shirts, covering long distances on foot while conducting rural patrols. I am sure they will have left a great deal of shoe leather on those roads, keeping them fit, alert and ready to respond. They served with enthusiasm and dedication. Those qualities were recognised in their ultimate promotion into the very top ranks. While doing so, they made a substantial contribution to the transformation, growth and development of the Police Service to what it is today, working closely throughout with the National Commissioner. They functioned as a team and it showed!
The contribution made by the two officers also gave rise to recognition and honour in the form of Royal Decorations and Service Awards. These were:
- The King’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service;
- Order of the Crown - 2nd Class;
- Order of the Crown – Commander;
- Order of the Swazi Crown - 2nd Class;
- Silver Jubilee Medal – 2nd Class Grand Officer;
- 40/40 Anniversary – 3rd Class Commander;
- 45th Birthday Anniversary medal;
- Meritorious Service Medal;
- Long Service Medal;
- Coronation Medal;
- Police Centenary Medal.
That is quite a list - is it not! The number of decorations is a clear indicator of the mark left by the two officers during their respective careers. And the sheer number of medals will have meant that, when all pinned on the chest at the same time, a sturdy pair of legs will have been needed to carry them! Those rural patrols will have helped there!
As a token of His Majesty’s Government’s appreciation to the retired Deputy National Commissioners it will be our pleasure to award them special Certificates of Service Excellence. I trust that the awards will similarly inspire other officers.
As is our tradition at functions of this nature, we remind the retiring officers of the motto “once a Police officer, always a Police officer.” Messrs Dlamini and Nhlovu, you are now elevated into the role of ambassadors of the Police Service wherever you go, and with whomever you engage, over the coming years. With your vast knowledge about Police work and the law, you will be a great asset to the Nation, and a valuable resource when needed by the Police Service.
It is, furthermore, the Royal Command that officers from the rank of Deputy National Commissioner upwards are eligible to keep their Ceremonial Uniform and Mess Kit dress upon retirement. This will, therefore, apply to Messrs Dlamini and Ndlovu. It is expected that they will continue to attend significant Police functions, resplendent in those uniforms, and a shining example to the younger generation of Police Officers making their way up the career ladder. Such encouragement is especially relevant in respect of conduct, discipline, demeanour, dedication to duty and the manner in which Police Officers relate to the public.
As our dedicated implementers of crime prevention and detection, the two retiring gentlemen will no doubt support my taking the opportunity to draw the public’s attention to a number of serious issues.
I start by expressing great concern about there having been 47 murders so far in 2016. One murder is one too many, but this statistic, in the context of our small population, sends out a worrying message to the vast majority of peace loving people in our country, and a highly negative message to the world at large. No murder is excusable but the circumstances of many of these crimes, such as the killing of loved ones, are especially odious. How, the question arises, can you kill someone you love just because they don’t want to be with you anymore?
Furthermore, there can be little more evil than hiring someone to carry out an assassination. The degree of guilt in hiring an assassin is, in many jurisdictions around the world, considered even greater than in the commission of the murder itself. It would be a welcome step if our own legislation were to reflect that clearly. The person found guilty of hiring an assassin who carries out a murder should receive the most severe sentence available.
My appreciation goes to the Police for their work in bringing to justice the people responsible for heinous crimes of this nature. And let us see the judicial processes proceed promptly. We should remember that justice delayed is justice denied. Our case management of serious criminal cases should be reviewed critically to ensure that indictments are processed quickly and fairly.
We must make special efforts to protect our women and children. The young child of eight years from the Big Bend area who went missing on 30 April 2016 has still not been found. For any family so affected there is little that can be more distressing. The Police are working hard on the case but information from the public is invariably helpful in cases such as this, hence the offer of a financial reward.
We read only yesterday of a tragic case of a rape victim committing suicide. Rape is a devastating assault on a woman or child, and it is the duty of every adult in our society to stand up against rape and other gender-based violence. It must never be brushed under the carpet to avoid family disgrace. When a victim appeals for help, that must be given including reporting the matter to the Police who will investigate, interrogate and determine what has taken place. Failure to do so makes a person, at the very least morally, an accessory to a serious crime.
The harassment of women as sexual objects must also be strenuously outlawed. It is a crime to harass a woman in that manner, and sooner every male should be aware that he is flirting more realistically with a criminal record. It is essential that our women and children, residents and visitors, alike feel safe from harassment. To the men I say – get real and act like decent citizens at all times. A lack of aggression from a female stranger does not convey any entitlement to the other party. Swazis have a reputation for courtesy and friendliness, so do not let the world at large think that Swazi men are predators. If you are a woman, please report any harassment to the nearest Police officer. If you are not satisfied with the response, take it upwards. It should not need to go beyond a station commander but if it does, the upwards route ends at my Office. At the same time our Police Service should make sure that all officers are trained to deal properly with sexual harassment complaints.
On a brighter note, let me congratulate officers who were honoured by SARPCCO during its recent 21st Annual General Meeting, held in Mozambique. Medals were awarded for various contributions made towards the growth and sustainability of SARPCCO as a mechanism to counter cross -border crime within the SADC Region.
The awardees are:-
I thank these officers for flying the country’s flag high in this Regional Body that is of critical importance to safeguarding safety and security within the region. Government can give the assurance that it will continue supporting Swaziland’s participation in the activities of international and regional policing cooperation entities such as Interpol and SARPCCO.
It remains for me to thank the two retired Deputy National Commissioners and wish them a happy retirement and one of continued good health.
Thank you.