HIS Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has broken its silence, clarifying that the car accident involving Commissioner General (ComGen) LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini was never concealed from the public.
HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene explained that communication was delayed in line with protocol and out of respect for her family.
Last Wednesday this newspaper reported that a senior HMCS official had been involved in a freak accident.
In a statement issued yesterday, Kunene said the delay in confirming the accident was guided by the need to prioritise the commissioner general’s medical care and to ensure that her next of kin were properly informed before any public disclosure.
The clarification follows public concern after news of the accident began circulating before an official statement was issued.
According to information gathered last Tuesday evening, the accident occurred between KaMkhonta and Mvutshini at around 1pm. The commissioner general was reportedly headed towards Mbabane after attending final rehearsals for the double celebration at Lobamba.
Sources had indicated that wet weather conditions may have contributed to the incident, with her driver believed to have lost control of the vehicle on the slippery road before overturning and landing in a ditch.
The commissioner general, who was reportedly in a critical condition following the accident, was rushed to a private medical facility in Ezulwini where she was admitted. However, sources claimed that she had since been transferred to a medical facility in South Africa.
At the time of the accident, two other occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, had reportedly sustained less serious injuries and were treated and discharged.
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At the time the matter was reported in the media, Kunene could not be reached for comment. This led to some publications accusing him of deliberately concealing the story.
“At the time of the incident, the priority was to ensure that the commissioner general received immediate medical attention and that her family was duly informed,” said Kunene.
He added that it was both standard practice and a matter of respect to allow the family space to process such situations before communicating publicly.
Kunene further stated that the decision was also informed by concerns over the nature of social media discourse, which he said were likely to quickly become sensationalised and distressing to affected families if information is released prematurely.
“It was therefore considered both prudent and responsible to avoid premature public engagement that could inadvertently contribute to distress, speculation and panic,” Kunene said.
The Correctional Services department also stressed that while it remained committed to transparency and accountability, this must be balanced with the responsibility to handle sensitive matters with dignity and care.
Adding, Kunene said the commissioner general is currently receiving medical attention and remains under the care of medical practitioners. He said the department fully supported the ComGen and her family during this time.
“As a department, we remain hopeful and place our trust in God for her healing and recovery. We further welcome and appreciate the prayers and support that we continuously receive from members of the public,” stated Kunene.
He said further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.
