Swazi Observer

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LEADERSHIP KEY IN EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT

By Crime Watch | 2024-09-04

Authentic leadership in the Royal Eswatini Police Service is key as it plays an important role in effective law enforcement.

National Commissioner of Police representative, Senior Assistant Commissioner Vusi Gama speaking at the closing ceremony of the twelve -week junior supervisory course at the Police Academy stated that leadership was not just about holding a position of authority.

Gama said in law enforcement authentic leadership is about embodying values of integrity, courage and empathy in every decision and action taken. In attendance were twenty-six (26) police officers from different stations all over the country who are junior supervisors.

“As you step into leadership roles within your respective departments, remember that true leaders empower those around them, lead by example and always strive to do what is right, even in the face of adversity.”

Gama said one of the primary responsibilities of the police service is to respond swiftly to crime and traffic accidents. He stated that with the knowledge and skills acquired during the three months course, the junior managers would handle challenging situations with efficiency, compassion and professionalism.

Principles
He urged the officers to be guided by the sense of duty and service as they interact with the communities that they serve and in the discharge of their daily duties.

The officers were also encouraged to embrace the lessons learnt, embody the principles of authentic leadership while striving to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
Manzini Principal Magistrate David Khumalo who was the guest speaker during the closing ceremony of the course said the Royal Eswatini Police Service needs to continuously evaluate and update their training programmes.

He stated that the continuous evaluation will assist in addressing gaps and weaknesses while also assisting the police officers to improve their efficiency.

The principal magistrate said when officers are well trained, they conduct duties professionally and save the organisation from unnecessary lawsuits that are a result of misconduct.
Khumalo further cautioned police officers against engaging in criminal activities and corrupt practices as their calling obligated them to uphold the law and their ethics.

He said it was important for members of the REPS to uphold authority and remain loyal
He noted that since they were classified as a disciplined force, they were expected to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner. He further stated that well trained officers should be operationally prepared to handle different situations and challenges.

Police officers were also encouraged to remain resolute in their work and deal with crime decisively.

They were also urged to accept the policing vocation as a high calling and further show dedication and commitment at all times. Khumalo cautioned the REPS management to treat officers with utmost fairness and justice.

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