Eswatini rights body flags police recruitment issues
Hundreds of job seekers queue in harsh weather for limited police positions.
The Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration Integrity has raised nine concerns about the ongoing Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) recruitment. The commission observed hundreds of young people queuing for prolonged periods in exposed conditions at regional police offices in Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni, and Lubombo. The recruitment exercise, which began on Monday, November 2, requires in-person application submissions by today, November 4.
Hundreds of applicants gathered along public roads, enduring harsh weather while waiting to submit documents for limited Constable II positions. In Mbabane, a queue stretched 500 metres, with some applicants arriving at 4am or spending the night to secure a spot. In Nhlangano, applicants faced rain and thunderstorms, with one 28-year-old applicant arriving at 7pm Sunday for a 3:30am queue position.
The commission proposed allowing electronic submissions, or applications via tinkhundla centres and police stations, to make the process more accessible. It stated that reliance on physical submissions places an unnecessary burden on applicants, particularly those from remote areas or with limited funds. The current process also pressures the police service's limited resources.
Why it mattersYoung Emaswati seeking jobs as police officers are enduring difficult conditions and long waits due to the current recruitment process.