By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Mabulala Maseko,the Minister of Public Service has submitted a report before Parliament saying, junior police officers will not receive their salary increment under Phase two(2) as the matter was long resolved after they were awarded four percent(4%).

Worth-noting, this contradicts an earlier statement by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini who promised junior police officers that,they will receive their salary increment under Phase two.

The junior cops were left behind about ten(10) years ago when senior officers selectively increased their own salaries,despite a Government Circular awarding same to junior officers.

Responding to a motion moved by Mayiwane Member of Parliament(MP) Sicelo Dlamini last week, Minister Mabulala Maseko stated categorically that,the issue of Phase two was long resolved but clarified that,police officers might be considered again after the ongoing process by a consultant.

“Our belief is that the issue of Phase 2 has been resolved through the implementation of Circular No. 5 of 2022.Judging by the constant popping up of the issue of Phase 2 in this Honourable House we realize that the implementation of Circular No. 5 of 2022 has been misunderstood. Attached to this report is Circular No.5 of 2022.May I assure this Honourable House that any concerns that the junior security officers may have will be taken care of by the consultant currently on the ground conducting the much awaited salary review for all civil servants”, said the Public Service Minister in the report.

But sources within Parliament told this Swaziland News on Friday evening that,MPs might debate and dismiss the report, accusing the Minister of misleading the House as Phase two was never implemented by Government.

“The 4% was not Phase two(2), that’s why the Prime Minister has been promising to address the issue and award the officers Phase 2 because it is still pending.We are yet to debate the report tabled by the Public Service Minister in Parliament and we will demand answers, this is a State security issue”, said one of the MPs.

Eswatini junior police officers are financially struggling after Government delayed their salary increment for the past ten years.

A budget meant for the increment was allegedly looted by senior police officers.

Over twenty(20) Deputy National Commissioners, Senior Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners new posts were allegedly created by the Police Executive Command, with an alleged intention to loot the public funds through salary increment for senior officers and,in the process,junior cops were left behind.