Matsapha- His Majesty King Mswati III (HMKIII) has challenged the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to continuously upgrade its skills and embrace modern technology to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminals, saying conventional policing alone is no longer enough to combat today’s crime trends.
Addressing officers during the 23rd Police Day celebrations at the Police Academy in Matsapha on Friday, the King said criminals were adapting to new technologies and changing methods, making it imperative for police officers to remain equally equipped to protect the nation.
“We have noted that crime trends continue to change. That is why it is pleasing to see that you continue to capacitate yourselves with the right skills so that you remain relevant and are able to combat contemporary crimes,” the King said.
His Majesty commended officers who had undergone specialized training both locally and abroad, saying the knowledge they had acquired should be shared across the organisation to strengthen the country’s crime-fighting capacity.
The National Commissioner in-Chief of REPS specifically welcomed the growing focus on cybercrime investigations, saying the specialized training would enable officers to respond to technology-driven offences that continue to emerge across the world.
The King also praised the establishment of the Technical Response Team, describing it as evidence that the police service was evolving to meet modern security challenges.
“This demonstrates growth within the organization. These specialized skills will help ensure that the nation remains safe from cybercrime and other emerging criminal activities,” His Majesty noted.
While acknowledging the changing nature of crime, His Majesty applauded officers for their continued efforts in maintaining peace and public order despite increasingly complex policing demands.
HMKIII further urged the police to deepen their partnerships with communities, saying public cooperation remained one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.
“You should continue working with communities and not become strangers to them. Let the nation see that the police are part of the community. Continue educating citizens about crime trends and how they can protect themselves,” the King said.
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