Some Notes on the Swaziland Police

SOME NOTES ON THE SWAZILAND POLICE

Brig HB Heymans

Summary: Some Notes on the Swaziland Police

This document offers a concise historical overview of the Swaziland Police, tracing its evolution from the Swaziland Border Police (established circa 1888) through its incorporation into the South Constabulary (SAC) in 1900, and finally the formal establishment of the Swaziland Police Force in 1907 under the authority of the British High Commissioner.

Key highlights include:

• Structure and Composition (1910):

The Swaziland Police was likely the smallest mounted police force in the world, consisting of 5 European officers, 20 non-commissioned officers, and 176 indigenous constables. Headquarters were based in Mbabane, with outposts in Piggs Peak, Stegi, Hlatikulu, and Bremersdorp (now Manzini).

• Uniform and Equipment:

The standard uniform was khaki serge with red shoulder straps. European members were issued Lee-Enfield .303 rifles, Webley revolvers, and cavalry bandoliers. Indigenous members carried Martini-Henry or Lee-Enfield rifles, with limited ammunition per patrol.

• Duties and Functions:

The police force served multiple roles beyond law enforcement, including customs control, postal services, prison management, court administration, and oversight of public works.

• Service Conditions:

Contracts were typically two years, with annual renewals. Pension arrangements aligned with colonial civil service standards. Medical care was provided free of charge, though members supplied their own rations.

• Photographs and Visuals:

The document includes several historical photographs depicting uniforms, insignia, and members of the force—some bearing the King’s and Queen Elizabeth’s Crown—offering visual insight into the evolution of the service.

Keywords

• • Swaziland Border Police (1888)
• • South African Constabulary (SAC)
• • Swaziland Police Force (1907)
• • Mbabane and Bremersdorp
• • Colonial policing
• • Uniform and armament
• • Lee-Enfield and Martini-Henry rifles
• • Multi-functional police roles
• • British administration
• • Nongqai archive

The Swaziland Border Police of 1888

The Commandant of the Swaziland Border Police

South African Constabulary (SAC)

During 1900 the SAC take over police duties in Swaziland from the South African Republic’s police.

Swaziland Police

After 1907 with King’s Crow – photo by Steve Seargent

Photos Lance Siedle via Facebook

1910

Uniform is found by the men, who receive £7 10s per annum for this purpose, and must arrange for its being made according to a fixed pattern; it consists of khaki serge with scarlet shoulder straps (Nongqai September 1910 p 533)

Swaziland Police

Nongqai September 1910 p 533

The Swaziland Police is the smallest mounted police force in South Africa, and probably in the world. Its establishment consists of 5 officers, 20 N.C.O.’s and men, and 176 Native police, and the Corps evolved from the South African Constabulary, being the first of the three new Forces formed from that body.

It began its separate existence on the 22nd February, 1907, when Swaziland came under the direct administration of His Excellency the High Commissioner, instead of that of the Governor of the Transvaal.

The Headquarters are at Mbabane, the chief town of the Province, and the senior officer, who is styled Assistant Commissioner and Officer in Charge of Police, is Captain C. H. Gilson, D.S.O., brother-in-law to the late Inspector Lyttle, N.P., and whose portrait appears in this issue in the “History of the Zululand Police.”

There are four Sub-Inspectors, who are also the Clerks of the Courts of their respective Districts. The re­mainder consist of one Superintendent (Warrant Officer), 4 N.C.O.’s, 4 Corporals, and 11 Troopers; there are also the following natives:—One Sergeant-Major, 3 N.C.O.’s, 13 Corporals, and 159 Constables. The Force is distributed throughout the country, the chief outposts feeing: Piggs Peak, Stegi, Mankaiana, Hlatikulu, Mbabane, Bremersdorp (now Manzini), and Hluti.

The Force, in addition to the ordinary duties, supplies Customs Officers, Public Prosecutors, Gaolers, Postal Agents, Public Works Overseers, Court Messengers, Deputy Sheriffs, etc. Very comfortable quarters have been erected at Mbabane, in the shape of two bungalows, which at one time formed part of the military cantonments at Barberton (these were taken down and put up again by members of the Force).

There is a tennis court and swim­ming bath in the grounds, and it is hoped to install a billiard table in the near future. The horses and mules are Gov­ernment property, but the troops are allowed one shilling and sixpence and one shilling per diem, respectively, for foraging them.

At the first establishment of the Swaziland Police prac­tically every man (European and Native) was transferred from the S.A.C. then serving in the country, and, of course, with so small a Force, very few changes have taken place among the Europeans.

Applications for enlistment are constantly being re­ceived, and in the event of a vacancy the most suitable of recent applicants would be communicated with. There are neither age nor height limits, the Assistant Commissioner having discretion to select suitable men. The term of en­gagement is for two years, and subsequent re-engagements of one year. Discharge can be purchased for £10 during first year of service, and £5 afterwards.

The rates of pay are: —Superintendent, £230 to £250 per annum; Sergeant, £180 per annum; Corporal, £168 per annum; Trooper, £150 per annum.

Horses, saddlery, rifles, equipment, and quarters are supplied by Government; Uniform is found by the men, who receive £7 10s per annum for this purpose, and have to arrange for its being made according to a fixed pattern; it consists of khaki serge with scarlet shoulder straps.

The men provide their own rations, but medical attend­ance is given free. Superanution is the same as the Colonial Civil Service, i.e., retirement at 60, with pension of l-60th of average last three years’ rate of salary for each year of service. The Europeans are armed with the new short Lee-Enfield .303 rifle, cavalry bandolier, and Webley revolver. The Native Police are all armed. In one Dis­trict with Martini-Henry rifles, and the remainder with Lee-Enfield rifles; they always carry them on patrol, the N.C.O.’s being supplied with 20 rounds of ammunition and the Constables ten rounds each. They are also supplied with all clothing and equipment, but provide their own rations. Their rate of pay is: —Sergeant-Major, £72 per annum; Sergeant, £54 per annum; Corporal, £48 per annum; Constable, £36 per annum,—O.G.T-

1937

1938

1946

(See 1910-entry: I would appear as if they had red shoulder straps.)

With Queen Elizabeth’s Crown – Photo Steve Seargent

• Further information would be welcome