MBABANE:King Mswati has urged the eSwatini Department of Correctional Services to prepare for the possible release of some prisoners as part of the fifty-five(55th) Independence and his Birthday double Celebration.
The King was speaking during the Correctional Services Day on Friday, he smiled first before announcing the decision to release the incarcerated prisoners.
“As you are aware that we are about to celebrate independence and birthday, it’s important that you prepare for the release of some of the citizens who are with you here”,said the King.
When asked by this Swaziland News on Sunday to clarify if the King will release incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs)Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, King’s Spokesperson said, he was not sure if the MPs qualify be released.
“Normally, it is inmates who have already served part of their jail sentences and not those who are still waiting to be sentenced.The discretion rests with the Justice Ministry through it’s Corectional Services Administration.While there is already a conviction in the case of Mr Bacede Mabuza and Mr Mthandeni Dube,we have no reasons to suggest they qualify for parole because they have not started serving time and their sentences have not been handed down yet,”‘said the King’s Spokesperson.
Incarcerated pro-democracy MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested for demanding democracy inside Parliament, international human rights organizations and eSwatini pro-democracy groups are demanding their release.
King Mswati.