Resolve junior officers’ concerns, PM told
LOBAMBA – Embattled junior police officers sat still in the gallery chamber of the House of Assembly while MPs instructed Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Dlamini to hastily address their calls for Phase II of the salary adjustment and general welfare.
The PM was appearing for a debate of the Portfolio Committee for the Prime Minister’s Office. Seated with the PM was the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, senior police officers and managers at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The junior officers were led by the Sergeant Dumisile Khumalo who is the Secretary General (SG) of the Royal Eswatini Police Service Staff Association (REPSSA).
MPs said they detested the manner in which government handled the concerns of the junior officers in that it seemed to be fanning the noise. Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni said police officers were the backbone of the safety of the nation, which is why they had to be given all the tools and motivation they needed.
WORRYING
“It is worrying that police officers get their salary at 9am but an hour later at 10am the money has been finished. From there onwards, the officer has to go to loan sharks,” he said.
Myeni also questioned why government committed the four per cent cushion for officers without authorisation from Parliament.
“Then, later on, the minister says he will make a supplementary budget in December. Does this mean he already knows that we will approve the supplementary budget,” he asked.
MP Marwick Khumalo said he was appalled by a near confrontation between the junior police officers and others who were sent to serve Dumisile with a warrant of arrest in Parliament last week.
“Outside here were many Dubai cars and some officers were instructing others from afar to bring pistols and R4 rifles to Parliament. That was a bad thing,” he said. The MPs said the PM must bring the officers to a peaceful resolution with their superiors so that police work is not affected by the animosity.
After the Parliament session the junior officers said they were still not pleased. They convened a meeting outside Parliament and later left in their cars.