Swazi Observer

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LYDIA FIRST FEMALE NATCOM

By KWANELE DHLADHLA | 2023-12-01

His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed Lydia Sijabulile Dlamini as the first female to serve as acting National Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).

According to a memorandum directed to all divisions within the police service, Dlamini, whose substantive position was Senior Deputy National Commissioner, began serving as NatCom at the beginning of November.

It was stated that the king gave Dlamini, who has been a police officer for over two decades, the responsibility to lead the police service until February 28, 2024.
“Bayethe Wena Waphakathi,” read the message from Dlamini in appreciation to the king for the appointment to lead the service.

Lydia, who holds an LLB Degree and Masters in Public Sector Management, takes over from William Tsitsibala Dlamini, who passed away about a month ago at the age of 69 after collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while on his way back home from an Interpol meeting in Angola.

He had served as the head of the police service since 2019 after his predecessor, Isaac Magagula, was appointed senator. The late national commissioner served in the police service for 46 years.

Ensure
The incoming NatCom will be expected to uphold His Majesty King Mswati III’s instruction to ensure that police officers strive in building trust and confidence in the community they work in.

The king also directed that the guiding principle and value of the policing profession should be discipline and that as officers of the law they should always exhibit conduct that was exemplary and above reproach.

His Majesty added that as law enforcers, police officers must always refrain from behaviour that would bring disrepute to the police badge.

His Majesty the King highlighted that another key defining trait of being a police officer was serving the nation whenever the need arose, whether in or out of uniform.

Further, NatCom will also be responsible for the provision of security for Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini and Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla and the entire Eswatini nation.

According to Finance Circular No.2 of 2023 following the 2021 situation of the unrest in Eswatini, there was a shift in the country’s security landscape in May/June 2021.

The commission that tabled the report to be used by the 12th Parliament stated that it was their view that the NatCom remained ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate security within the kingdom.

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