Mbabane – The National Commissioner of Police, Manoma Vusie Masango, has condemned the exploitation of children through narcotics and sexual abuse, calling it a serious threat to their well-being and future.
Masango made the remarks at Ebenezer Primary School during the donation of school items worth E60,000. The items included 120 pairs of shoes and socks, six shirts, 18 trousers, eight tunics, 19 school bags for Grade 0 pupils, 18 bags for top-performing pupils, and 23 jerseys.
The commissioner raised concern over school-going children being involved in the narcotics trade, including dagga cultivation, often with the involvement of parents seeking financial gain. “Some pupils sell dagga during school hours,” Masango said, stressing adherence to policies that protect and safeguard children’s rights.
Babe Chief Maliwa Maziya of Maphungwane was present at the event and acknowledged the ongoing issues of child exploitation in the community. Masango said REPS is aware that some parents allow their children to cultivate and sell dagga, either during school hours or while traveling to and from school, with the proceeds consumed at home under the guise of supporting the family.
He also highlighted alarming cases of female children being sexually molested by individuals shielded by the community from apprehension and prosecution. “As the police, we will never shy from our Constitutional mandate of preventing crime and arresting offenders,” Masango said.
The commissioner confirmed that police efforts will continue to destroy dagga fields and arrest anyone transgressing the law. “The exploitation of children in the narcotic business must cease forthwith. This act is unSwazi and morally despicable, as it compromises their well-being and future,” he added.
Masango noted that the donation reflects REPS’s commitment to community engagement, social responsibility, and fostering trust and cooperation with the public.
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