Mbabane – The His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Public Relations Office says allowing inmates to attend the Incwala ceremonial ceremony does not indicate early release.
“The enrollment of one into any rehabilitation programme does not signal or suggest that the inmate is due for release, as rehabilitation is a process with many stages,” HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene, said in a statement.
Kunene stated that the participation of former Minister of Public Works and Transport Ntuthuko Dlamini and others at the Incwala ceremony was neither a ticket to sentence reduction nor an indicator of such. There was no mention of any names of inmates participating at Incwala, with Kunene only confirming that there were some inmates who were attending.
Dlamini was convicted of three murder cases following the fatal shooting of Themba Tsabedze, Simon Sipho Shongwe, and Sikhulu Shongwe, on September 7, 2020, as well as a fourth conviction of illegal firearm possession. Dlamini had an added sentence after the successful Director of Public Prosecutions’ appeal with the initial 20 years reviewed to 35 years concurrent in mid-2025.
Kunene stated that all offenders in Eswatini correctional facilities are engaged in various rehabilitation programmes based on HMCS-assessed needs, behaviour, progress, and responsiveness while in custody.
He said cultural events serve as one of many options that inmates could go through for rehabilitation while incarcerated.
“Culture plays a vital role in moral renewal, identity formation, and personal transformation. As Emaswati, we strongly believe in the positive power of culture to shape values, instill discipline, and foster a sense of belonging,” Kunene said.
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