Matsapha – Former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament (MP) Mthandeni Dube is among 12 inmates who have been released early from prison.
Dube was serving 18 years’ imprisonment for terrorism, sedition, and murder in July 2024 post the 2021 civil unrest. Dube was arrested with former Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, who was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment on similar charges.
Apart from Dube, Boyce Gama (57), Michael Mavuso (56), Gabi Mabuza (60), Samson Khumalo (75), Sipho Thwala (59), Aron Msibi (80), Joseph Moyane (49), Foco Sifundza (89), Nkosinathi Matsaba (42), Sitile Dlamini (53), Catrine Hlatjwako (43), and Mthandeni Dube (46) were released on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, on parole.
The announcement of the release of the inmates was made by His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Commissioner-General Phindile LaMakhosini Dlamini during a press conference in Matsapha Maximum Prison.
On June 20, His Majesty King Mswati III announced his prerogative of mercy during the Correctional Day and mandated the HMCS Prerogative of Mercy Committee to convene, discuss and finalise the list of those eligible for release.
Also, during the ceremony, Dube, through the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, publicly apologised to the King. Prince Simelane, who was Dube’s emissary, knelt before the King and informed him that Dube had sent him to apologise on his behalf.
Commissioner-General Dlamini said the inmates were expected to conduct themselves responsibly and maintain good behaviour even after their release. She urged them to respect their families, the households they will be living in, traditional leaders, and the rule of law.
She added that the inmates will serve the remainder of their sentences through community service and will remain under strict supervision by Correctional Services officers.
Dlamini further stated that they are not expected to address the public, whether through social media, press conferences, or public gatherings, until they have completed the remainder of their sentences.
She said the conditions are meant to promote discipline, stability, and successful reintegration into society.
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