In Eswatini, aspiring police recruits gathered at the Shiselweni Regional Police Headquarters to submit their applications to join the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) as Constable II officers. The applicants, who had traveled from distant areas, including Lavumisa, Ngudzeni, Hlatikhulu, and Gege, aimed to beat the November 4, 2026 deadline for submissions.
A 28-year-old self-employed bricklayer from Ngudzeni, Sifiso Shabangu, spent the night outside the police station and became the first applicant in the queue at 3:30 am. Shabangu expressed his motivation to join the police service, citing a desire to help combat crime in his community, contribute to its development, and secure employment.
Others, including 29-year-old Sizwe Dlamini from Matsanjeni and Machawe Gwebu from Magele, also endured the harsh weather conditions, arriving amid heavy rain and thunderstorms. They spent the night at the facility, expressing gratitude to police officers on duty for allowing them to shelter at the station.
However, arriving early did not guarantee a favorable position for everyone. An unemployed 30-year-old from Jabulani, Nompilo Hleta, arrived at the headquarters at 5:45 am and joined the queue at 6 am, only to find herself as the 100th applicant. This was Hleta's fourth attempt to secure employment with the police service, driven by her need for a stable source of income.
The official processing of applications began at 8:45 am within the headquarters. To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 21 and 35, possess a Form V certificate with academic credits, and submit required documents, including educational testimonials, national identity documents, and recent passport-sized photographs.
Police authorities emphasized that applicants must submit their documents in person at the regional headquarters corresponding with their chiefdom codes. The police administration also warned applicants against paying anyone claiming to facilitate their selection, reiterating that the recruitment exercise is free of charge.
Some applicants declined to speak to the media, citing concerns about being absent from their usual workplaces or fears of exposure to jealousy and alleged witchcraft. Despite this, many demonstrated their determination to join the police service and contribute to their community's safety and development.
Key points
- Applicants had to submit their documents in person at the regional headquarters corresponding with their chiefdom codes.
- The recruitment exercise is free of charge, and applicants were warned against paying anyone claiming to facilitate their selection.
- To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 21 and 35 and possess a Form V certificate with academic credits.
