A total of 464 inmates will be released from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) beginning today. They are being granted early release, six months ahead of schedule, from correctional facilities across the country.
This follows a directive issued by His Majesty King Mswati III under the Prerogative of Mercy.
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HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene, explained that the inmates selected for release had already served most of their sentences and had six months or less remaining.
He added that an additional 2 346 inmates would have their sentences reduced by six months. This will apply to those whose remaining sentences exceed six months. Kunene emphasized that the sentence reduction falls under Directive Number 2 of 2025, as read with Sections 329–332 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938, as amended.
“This exercise has been undertaken in line with His Majesty’s enduring commitment to upholding the principles of justice, humanity, and rehabilitation,” said Kunene.
When asked if former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament Mthandeni Dube was among the 464, Kunene said this was not the case.
Meanwhile, HMCS Commissioner General Phindile LaMakhosini Dlamini hailed the king’s directive with a resounding Bayethe! She noted that releasing 464 inmates would significantly ease overcrowding in correctional facilities.
“We implore and encourage all members of the public to welcome and support the reintegration of these individuals as we believe they have undergone proper rehabilitation and are ready to contribute to a peaceful, safe, and inclusive society,” she said.
Dlamini also stressed the department’s dedication to after-care programmes that help prevent recidivism. She wished the inmates well as they begin their new lives outside prison, urging them not to return behind bars.
This year’s Correctional Services Day celebration was held under the theme “Celebrating the Transformative Power of Second Chances: A 30-Year Milestone”. The event showcased HMCS achievements in creating opportunities for offenders to rebuild their lives.
It was also during this celebration that His Majesty announced the establishment of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, tasked with assessing which inmates qualify for community service or full pardons.
The initiative, the king said, is part of strengthening forgiveness and reconciliation in Eswatini, ensuring that genuine repentance is met with mercy.
