Mbabane: In bid to curb the spread of covid-19, the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has donated 3000 masks to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
The masks were handed over by the Central Bank of Eswatini to the police in an event held at the Royal Eswatini Police Service headquarters on April 16, and was graced by the National Police Commissioner, William Dlamini, police top executive, the Central Bank Governor and officials from the Central Bank of Eswatini.
Speaking during the hand over the Central Bank Governor Majozi Sithole said they saw it fit to contribute to the police service during this time of the deadly Covid-19 as the police were mostly vulnerable to contracting the disease being out in the field to enforce the covid-19 regulations.
The governor said as a bank they have always worked hand in hand with the police in fighting crimes hence the contribution. The bank noted that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were pivotal as the police executed their duties.
Sithole was echoed by the National Commissioner who said they desperately needed the protective equipment, adding that they had always worked with the central bank in various adverse situations such as financial and cybercrimes.
Dlamini said the bank came at a time when police needed the equipment. “Police have been assigned to ensure adherence of the COVID-19 regulations and they remain vulnerable and are exposed to the disease”, he said.
He added that the masks will go a long way in helping them as the police service. Of note is that the donation follows a public outcry at the police not wearing the necessary protective clothing, especially those deployed to ensure the enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations.
The central bank is a true friend and helper to the police service, said Dlamini, adding that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
On a parting shot the commissioner said the masks were a gift of life to the police service and that police officers should ensure that they use the protective equipment at all times.
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