By Inside Biz
In a significant step towards strengthening community policing efforts, Yibutse Green Action hosted an intensive capacity-building workshop at Maguga Dam for close to 50 community police members from Nkomazi, KaNcesi, Gangakhulu, Luvinjelweni, and surrounding areas.
The workshop, designed to equip community police with the skills and knowledge to address an array of pressing issues, was supported by MTN Fintech who has been increasingly involved in awareness activities aimed at decreasing fraudulent activities on the MoMo platform. Other partners included NERCHA, Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Eswatini, and SWAGAA.
The training sessions focused on enhancing the capabilities of community police to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), curb the spread of health challenges such as HIV and TB, prevent cybercrime, and promote environmental protection.
Participants were engaged in practical discussions on how their roles can extend beyond traditional policing to include crucial contributions to community health, safety, and environmental sustainability.
It was a remarkable show of unity and purpose, with Yibutse Green Action bringing together the key stakeholders for the ground-breaking workshop.
The event underscored the multifaceted role that community police can play in not only maintaining law and order but also addressing pressing societal issues like GBV, the spread of health challenges such as HIV and TB, cybercrime, and environmental degradation. The participants engaged in deep discussions on how they can contribute to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable community, with a special emphasis on protecting the environment and responding to climate change.
Musa Ndlangamandla, Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action, highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues, stating, “When we talk about climate change, we cannot ignore the social dynamics that exacerbate its impact. Health, safety, and the environment are deeply intertwined. By empowering our community police with the tools and knowledge they need, we are not only safeguarding our people but also our planet.”
Cybercrime and Fraud: A Growing Threat to Rural Communities
With the rise of digital transactions, rural communities have become increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime, including scams targeting mobile money and bank accounts. MTN Fintech’s Compliance
team spoke passionately about the need to educate the public on these threats.
“Cybercrime is no longer just an urban issue. Scams and fraud are reaching our most remote areas, and we must empower our community police with the knowledge to combat this. We must work together to protect our communities from these sophisticated schemes that threaten their livelihoods.”
The team further emphasized that under no circumstances shall any MTN personnel,
police or cyber security official, request your MoMo PIN or request that you reverse any funds on behalf of any other customer.
Fighting Gender-Based Violence: Community Police at the Forefront
One of the key topics of discussion was the role of community police in combating gender-based violence. SWAGAA Case Worker, Dumisani Mavuso, emphasised the importance of equipping community police with the necessary tools and training to identify and report cases of GBV effectively through the following platforms; SWAGAA- 951, Child helpline-116, Police- 999. Furthermore, also highlighted the role positive parenting can play in curbing the rapid increase of GBV cases associated with gangsterism. Cases of teen pregnancies are also on the rise together with unlawful and risky pregnancy termination.
“The fight against GBV requires a collective effort. Community police are often the first point of contact, and with the right support and referral system, they can be powerful advocates for survivors,” said Mavuso. Community police members shared personal stories of their encounters with GBV cases, highlighting the challenges they face and the urgent need for more resources.
Health and Environment: A Shared Responsibility
The workshop also addressed the role of community police in promoting health and environmental protection.
Representatives from NERCHA and the Aids Healthcare Foundation Eswatini discussed how
community police can help in the fight against diseases such as HIV and TB by raising awareness and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to necessary healthcare services.
Kayise Dlamini, the AHF TB/IPC Nurse Mentor, and Mandisa Simelane, Senior Nurse at Piggs Peak AHF Clinic, made compelling presentations.
“Community police are trusted members of their communities, and their involvement in health initiatives can make a significant impact,” said Dlamini. “At the same time, protecting our environment is crucial for our health. The two go hand in hand.”
HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are critical public health challenges that significantly impact communities, affecting individuals’ health, economic stability, and overall quality of life. Both health issues not only pose individual health risks but also place a burden on our healthcare systems and disrupt social structures.
“Community police play a vital role in combating these public health issues. By fostering trust and collaboration with community members, they can help raise awareness about HIV and TB prevention, encourage individuals to seek testing and treatment, and support responsible healthcare practices. Furthermore, community police can serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community, facilitating access to vital resources and fostering an environment of education and support,” said Simelane.
“Together, we can work towards eliminating HIV and TB in our communities, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” Simelane said.
A Call for Support: Equipping Community Police for the Future
Throughout the event, there was a clear consensus on the need for increased support for community police, particularly in the form of equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other tools necessary for their work.
“The challenges that our community police face are immense, and they need all the support they can get,” said Ngisane Nyamane, the leader of the Community Police of KaNcesi area.
“We must ensure that they are well equipped to handle not only traditional crime but also the emerging
threats of cybercrime, GBV, and environmental degradation.”
The workshop ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue working together to support community police in their critical role. Musa Ndlangamandla summed it up best: “We are all in this together. By supporting our community police, we are investing in a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for everyone.”