By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Phindile Dlamini, the Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services is allegedly considering recommending the release of convicted serial killer David Thabo Simelane, an independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News reveals.

It is alleged that, David Simelane who was convicted for killing twenty-eight(28) women including children, has been identified as one of the well-behaving convicted prisoners and qualifies for the parole, King Mswati as a Head of State has the prerogative to release any prisoner on parole.

When asked to clarify if the King has been approached by the Correctional Services to consider releasing David Simelane and if the serial killer “qualifies for parole”, King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said, he was only aware of one parole.

He said David Simelane was sentenced to death but now serving life imprisonment after the first parole adding that, he was not aware if the Commissioner General was considering another one.

“He got one already.He was sentenced to death but now he is serving a life sentence.I wouldn’t be sure if the Commissioner General is considering recommending another parole”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

A questionnaire was sent to Phindile Dlamini, the Correctional Services Commissioner General however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Worth-noting, David Simelane has already completed the life imprisonment sentence, in terms of the Correctional Services calendar he “has served over thirty-six(36) years” and/or twenty-four(24) normal years after being arrested in 2001.

Judge Jacobus Annandale when sentencing the serial killer ruled that, the sentence will commence from the date of his arrest.

It has been disclosed that, the process to release Simelane started through the conversion of the sentence from death to life imprisonment, prisoners convicted to life imprisonment are eligible to be recommended to benefit from the King’s parole.

An investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered that, since his arrest and subsequent conviction, the serial killer demonstrated remorse and has been behaving well and respecting prison authorities.

When other prisoners engage in riot, the serial killer is alleged to be always calm without participating and, always communicate his grievances if any, politely to the prison authorities.

As a result,David Simelane is alleged to be receiving better treatment from the prison authorities and might benefit from another parole and be released.