By Crime Watch | 2024-11-30

The National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango says police officers are the shield that safeguards the nation when it comes to safety and security.

Masango was speaking during the commemoration of the Police Health & Wellness and World AIDS Day held at the Matsapha Police Academy on Wednesday.

He said the wellness of police officers remained a top priority in the police service cognisant of the fact that a healthy individual was always professional, more productive and delivers quality service.  

“Lihawu lelitimbobombo alivikeli muntfu.  Therefore, it is important to constantly provide support to police officers so that they remain a steadfast shield against all security threats. That is why on a day like today we make sure that officers are physically/medically, mentally, socially and spiritually healthy,” said Masango.

NatCom revealed that in an effort to improve the social welfare of officers, the police service was able to add qualified police officers in professional fields such as doctor, nurses, psychologists, paramedics, chaplains, HTS counsellors and social workers.

He further stated that a manual for combating GBV to help curb the occurrence of such incidents amongst police officers and their spouse was developed. He said the plan was to review both the police health & wellness Strategic Plan and the Policy in the near future.

The police service, as a unique organisation, commemorates its AIDS Day on the last Wednesday of November as opposed to the worldwide date of December 1 because of duty obligations. 

This year’s theme was Nkwe! Police Taking the Right Path to Ending AIDS. The message was that in effort to end AIDS, police are taking significant steps towards education, raising awareness and fostering a culture of support.

In his remarks, the police chief stated that the commemoration of AIDS Day provides a moment to honour those individuals who have bravely fought against HIV/AIDS, including those we tragically lost. He noted that their courage and resilience continued to inspire the police service to forge ahead in the mission to support and protect all citizens.

“We have a responsibility to look out for one another in creating an environment where vulnerability is met with compassion and support is readily available.

The challenge is to respond with compassion and be committed to eradicating stigma, fostering an environment where every person living with HIV is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding,” he said.  

NatCom said mental health issues have increasingly surfaced as a critical concern among officers, therefore, it was essential to create a culture where this phenomenon was openly discussed and seeking help was encouraged.

He noted that by its nature, police work was stressful and it could take a toll on an individual which could lead to psychological struggles, and in worst cases suicide.

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