MBABANE – Following a dramatic escape from Sidwashini Correctional Facility last Thursday, re-arrested inmate Mthokozisi Bandzile Motsa has expressed fears for his safety if returned to the same correctional officers from whom he fled.
Motsa orchestrated a daring escape in the still of the night on Thursday, coincidentally the eve of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Day where His Majesty King Mswati III also directed that the prerogative of mercy processes should begin for inmates.
The HMCS updated in their social media pages that after 14 hours of a manhunt for the escapee, Motsa was eventually arrested. Details of how he was arrested have yet to be shared. However, it was stated that Motsa was eventually arrested 41 kilometres away, in Manzini.
Motsa, who was convicted of murder now faces an additional charge of contravening Section 48(1) of the Prison Act 40/1964.
He told the Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati that he does not feel safe to return to Sidwashini Correctional facility.
Motsa raised his hand telling Vilakati that some correctional officers conveyed their intentions to “deal with him” upon his re-incarceration after telling the court that he will engage a defence attorney.
Motsa alleges that wardens visited him in his cell at the Mbabane Police Station where he was kept after his re-arrest and made it clear they are “eagerly awaiting” for his return to “deal with him.”
Motsa presented additional reasons for his desire to be transferred to Matsapha Correctional facility.
He said he believes he will receive better medical attention there and wishes to be closer to his relatives.
Furthermore, Motsa informed the court that the High Court had previously directed him to serve his sentence in Matsapha, yet he inexplicably ended up at Sidvwashini.
Vilakati, however, did not immediately grant Motsa’s request. The court ruled that it could not make a judgment without first conducting an inquiry with the High Court regarding Motsa’s claims about his initial placement. Motsa has been taken back to Sidvwashini Correctional Facility and remanded in custody until July 4, 2025, when his trial is set to commence. Vilakati warned correctional officers not to victimise him.
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