MATSAPHA – His Majesty King Mswati III has announced a royal pardon for convicted offenders as part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of his coronation, describing the milestone as a blessing that should also be shared with those serving sentences in correctional facilities.
The announcement was made on Friday during the 18th Correctional Services Day celebrations held at the Correctional Services Staff College in Matsapha.
Addressing correctional officers, government officials and visiting heads of correctional services from across the SADC region, the King said the Kingdom was celebrating four decades since his coronation, a significant milestone in the country’s history.
“The nation is celebrating forty years since my coronation this year, which marks a cherished blessing for myself and the Kingdom,” said the King.He said while the celebrations would be enjoyed by the broader public, convicted offenders who are incarcerated would not be able to participate in the festivities.
“During such significant reigning milestones, it is with great pleasure that we share our success and progress with convicted offenders who could not be part of the public festivities,” he said.
His Majesty then announced that he would grant a royal pardon to selected offenders, with the details to be finalised through the established legal processes.
“I, therefore, grant them a royal pardon, the full details of which will be issued after formal consultations with the Prerogative of Mercy Committee,” the King declared.
The announcement was one of the highlights of the annual Correctional Services Day celebrations and was received with applause from the audience.
While the number of offenders who may benefit from the pardon was not disclosed, the King’s statement indicates that consultations with the Prerogative of Mercy Committee will determine the categories and conditions applicable to those who may qualify for release or sentence remission.
Royal pardons have traditionally been granted during significant national occasions and important milestones in the monarchy, offering deserving inmates an opportunity to reintegrate into society.
The King’s announcement came against the backdrop of a broader message centred on rehabilitation, reform and second chances for offenders.
Throughout his address, His Majesty commended correctional officers for their role in promoting public safety while ensuring humane detention conditions that respect human dignity.He praised officers for their dedication, discipline and professionalism, noting that their work extends beyond security to helping offenders transform their lives and become productive members of society.
“Your commitment to fostering an environment of reform and enabling second chances is admirable, essential and will ultimately strengthen our social fabric,” he said.
The King acknowledged the difficult conditions under which correctional officers often work, saying government remained committed to improving their working environment.
“Government is doing everything possible to improve the environment you are working under,” he said.His Majesty also expressed satisfaction with rehabilitation programmes within correctional facilities, saying many offenders had acquired valuable skills that contribute to their welfare after release.
“It is pleasing to note that many of the people you are rehabilitating here have acquired different skills that contribute to their welfare after leaving the facility,” he said.
The King further encouraged correctional officers to continue upholding high standards of discipline and patriotism, reminding them that they remain correctional officers at all times.
He also commended the impressive drill displays showcased during the celebrations, describing them as evidence of the professionalism, coordination and commitment of the officers.
Meanwhile, the King welcomed visiting Commissioner-Generals and heads of correctional services from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), saying their presence reflected a shared commitment to building more equitable and transformative correctional systems.He praised regional efforts aimed at benchmarking and collaboration to improve penal systems across borders and encouraged continued partnerships that support offender rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.As the Kingdom celebrates four decades under His Majesty’s reign, the royal pardon announcement is expected to bring hope to inmates and their families, while reinforcing the correctional system’s emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration.The full details regarding the beneficiaries of the pardon and the implementation process are expected to be announced following consultations with the Prerogative of Mercy Committee.
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