Swazi Observer

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DON’T BE HARSH TO OFFENDERS, KING URGES CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS

By Musa Simelane | 2024-08-04

His Majesty King Mswati III says harsh measures of correcting offenders, which used to be referred to as ‘sipakatane’, and widely applied in the past, were no longer effective.

Instead of correcting and rehabilitating the person, they had the opposite effect and left them in a worse state than before. He said it just messed up their mind. In this context, some may also understand sipakatane as a technique to torment the offender.

His Majesty said this as part of his remarks during the 16th Correctional Services Day and Passing-Out Parade held at Matsapha Correctional Services College. Continuing with the point he was making, he encouraged correctional officers to act like parents towards the offenders by showing them love, compassion and understanding.

“I have heard that you already do these things and it’s commendable, keep up the good work. When someone has committed an offence, it is not right to institute revenge, but instead, patiently show some care for them until the day they realise their mistake and show some remorse,” stated His Majesty.

He added that this method will have a bigger impact in transforming the heart and rehabilitating the offender back to normalcy.

His Majesty said he has also heard of success stories, whereby offenders, who had served their time in local correctional facilities and then returned to their communities, led clean lives with humility.

The survival and vocational skills that they obtained via empowerment programmes while on the inside made them worthwhile contributors in their communities and be good citizens.

“We indeed follow on those who have been released and returned back to their communities. I always lookout for the fruit of your efforts,” he said.

On another note, His Majesty extended appreciation to the commissioner generals from neighbouring countries, who found it imperative to grace the event. He said it was important for sister countries to exchange visits, share experiences and learn from each other about how to treat members of society who find themselves on the other side of the law.

Furthermore, the King marvelled at the displays of the guard of honour because they showed how well-prepared the officers were for this day. He noted that they showed their strength and determination throughout their beautiful drills, which everyone enjoyed.

It was also pleasing to His Majesty that the physique of the graduating officers was impressive and fit for purpose.

“Kute imikhaba (no pot bellies),” he noted.
Speaking of the theme of the day, which was ‘enhancing stakeholder relations for community corrections and social cohesion’, he said it called for collaboration with all stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

This cooperation requires all communities including the traditional authorities to fully participate with the nation so that we have a highly effective strategy to combat crime.

“Unity, working together to stop crime and rehabilitating offenders, all play a critical role in reducing repeat offences and recidivism, which in turn improves socio-economic growth and development,” he stated.

Regarding the use of technology by national security forces in the kingdom, he said there was awareness that the world was evolving through technology and, therefore, the adoption of Information, Communication Technology (ICT) in security support and offender management systems was integral.

He found it encouraging that the Correctional Services is a part of this evolution. He pointed out for instance that the remote remand system which was launched in Shiselweni eliminated the need for physical appearance in court.

“We hope to see this initiative replicated in all correctional centres around the country. The organisation needs to ensure it becomes more efficient and stays ahead of criminal elements through the use of new technologies,” His Majesty said.

He also spoke about regional training initiatives saying that the participation of Correctional Services officers in such which are developed through regional exchange efforts was something to be encouraged. These programmes provide officers with the opportunity to acquire information, skills, strategies, competences, and best practices from other counterparts in the region.

At the local as well as the regional level, the experiences that have been gained and the conversations that have been had with other counterparts have a significant impact on the development and advancement of prison administration.

“It is pleasing to know that you will be hosting Correctional Service officers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) this month during the Umhlanga Reed Dance.

The visiting senior correctional officers will get an opportunity to witness our beautiful ceremony. As Africans and as neighbours, it is important to remember our identity, who we are and where we come from. Therefore, exchanging cultures is very important,” said His Majesty.

PM relieved inmates mitigate cost of feeding

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini commended the Correctional Services for being innovative to mitigate the increasing cost of food by producing their own via agriculture.

This meant the cost of feeding inmates on a daily basis was not as worse as it could have been if the institution did not develop its own programme to grow its own food. Dlamini said while reducing the cost of feeding the inmates, these programmes also ensure that a healthy diet is provided.

Unique
The prime minister commended the Correctional Services for their significant and unique role in ensuring peace and stability. He said they were involved in various assignments that ensured peace and security, and through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, offenders were being empowered with life skills.

“While incarcerated, offenders are kept in facilities that are safe and humane, facilities that meet international standards. Your Majesty, at the invitation of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, I recently visited Matsapha Correctional Services where I was impressed by what I witnessed.

Among the many things that were impressive was the vocational training provided to offenders as well as to community members,” stated Dlamini.

Furthermore, he found it very encouraging that within the prison precinct, new structures have been erected to replace old and dilapidated ones.

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