SUPPORT FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS: A CALL TO STAND AGAINST SYSTEMIC INJUSTICE
Human rights defender Velaphi Mamba has called on the nation to rally behind junior police officers in their ongoing struggle for a fair salary increment. Speaking on the Visionary Perspective Program hosted by Swaziland News on Sunday, Mamba emphasized that almost every citizen in Eswatini is oppressed by the undemocratic Tinkhundla system, making it essential to support those seeking justice, including junior law enforcement officers.
“Almost everyone in the country is oppressed by Tinkhundla, and therefore, the junior police officers deserve our support in their ongoing demand for a salary increment,” Mamba declared, urging solidarity among Swazis.
Junior police officers in Eswatini have been left financially struggling after being excluded from a salary restructuring initiative gazetted by the government. The restructuring, originally intended to benefit all police ranks, was allegedly manipulated by the Police Executive Command, diverting funds meant for junior officers to create numerous high-ranking positions. This deliberate neglect has left junior officers with stagnant wages, unable to keep up with the rising cost of living.
The controversy traces back to Senator Isaac Magagula, the former National Commissioner of Police, who is accused of creating around 20 Deputy, Senior Deputy, and Assistant National Commissioner positions to absorb millions of Emalangeni allocated for the salary adjustments. This move, allegedly justified as part of a benchmarking exercise with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was described as a ploy to enrich the Executive Command while neglecting the needs of lower-ranking officers.
The current National Commissioner, Vusi Manoma Masango, has also come under fire for perpetuating the disparities, further exacerbating tensions within the police force. The failure to implement fair salary increments for junior officers has left them struggling to maintain a decent standard of living, with many unable to provide adequately for their families.
The situation highlights broader systemic issues within Eswatini’s governance. The Tinkhundla system not only undermines the democratic aspirations of the nation but also fosters inequality and corruption that affect citizens across all sectors. For junior police officers, the financial struggles they face are emblematic of the wider injustices perpetuated by the system, which prioritizes the enrichment of a select few over the welfare of the majority.
Mamba’s call for support resonates with the growing frustration among Swazis who see the police force as both victims and enforcers of the oppressive regime. Junior officers, often tasked with implementing the monarchy’s directives, are themselves trapped in a system that undervalues their contributions and denies them basic rights. Their demands for fair compensation are not just about wages—they are about dignity and justice.
The broader public’s support for junior officers could mark a significant shift in Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement. Solidarity across professions and social groups is essential to challenging the entrenched inequalities of the Tinkhundla system. By standing with junior police officers, Swazis can send a powerful message that systemic exploitation will no longer be tolerated.
This struggle also underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within the government and its institutions. The alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of funds by the Police Executive Command reflect the broader corruption that undermines trust in public institutions. Addressing these issues requires systemic reform and the implementation of checks and balances to prevent further abuses of power.
The junior police officers’ plight is a reminder that the fight for justice in Eswatini is not confined to one group—it is a shared struggle that affects everyone. Their demands for a fair salary are not just a matter of financial survival but also a step toward addressing the broader injustices that plague the nation.
As calls for reform grow louder, the people of Eswatini must recognize the interconnectedness of their struggles. Supporting junior police officers in their fight for fairness is not just an act of solidarity—it is a stand against the systemic inequalities that have defined life under the Tinkhundla system. Together, Swazis can push for the change needed to build a society where dignity, justice, and equality are not privileges but rights afforded to all.
