An investigation into fuel theft within Eswatini Railways (ESR) has allegedly resulted in further law contraventions after a serving police officer was paid by the company.
The member of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) reportedly received an unlawful stipend from ESR while investigating fraud and fuel theft cases at the parastatal.
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According to insiders, the officer, an inspector in charge of fraud in one of the four regions, allegedly earned over E10 700 in what was described as “compensation” for probing the fuel theft operations.
An official communiqué seen by this publication revealed that the officer was placed on ESR’s payroll in November 2024 and assigned an employment number despite already being a serving police officer. Sources alleged that he had been engaged as far back as 2022/23.
“At the ExCo meeting held on November 14, 2024, the following items were approved: stipend pay-out for Mr. (surname withheld), amounting to E10 741.50 after justification and rationale for the amount were presented to the ExCo,” reads part of the memo.
It further noted that the officer and others received a food allowance of E120 per day instead of meal orders, justified by their irregular working hours and seven-day workweeks.
The arrangement, however, has sparked concerns among ESR employees, who fear the officer’s compensation could compromise the handling of sensitive information. Some junior staff reportedly confessed details of the underground fuel theft network to him.
Legal Concerns
The Public Service Act of 2018 explicitly prohibits civil servants from receiving compensation from any entity other than government, unless authorised in writing. It further defines such external payment as misconduct, particularly if it occurs during working hours or involves government property.
ESR Responds
Asked to comment, ESR Corporate Communications Manager Sive Manana defended the arrangement:
“Fuel theft remains a significant criminal challenge facing the railway sector in the region. A range of measures, including enhanced security protocols, have been implemented to mitigate this issue. However, due to the sensitive nature of these interventions, we are unable to disclose specific details.”
Manana added that ESR enjoys longstanding relations with REPS and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), and from time to time engages in joint security initiatives.
He further cited the Eswatini Railways Act, which allows for the appointment of railway police to maintain order and prevent crimes on railway property.
Police React
Meanwhile, REPS Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni said the police service was not aware of the officer’s payments.
“As the REPS, asati lutfo. All we know is that when an individual, a company, or an organisation officially opens a case, an investigator is assigned. The police officer is then expected to carry out his duties without the entity paying him for same,” she said.
