Africa-Press – Eswatini. Inmates in the country will now have an opportunity to appear before a parole board where those who deserve to be released due to their good behaviour will hava a chance to apply.
This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Pholile Shakantu during the pass-out parade for squad 63 at His Majesty’ Correctional Services (HMCS) yesterday.
She said there was a newly promulgated Correctional Services Regulations of 2022. She said this achievement had been made possible through the support of UNDP, UNICEF, and other key stakeholders.
“Deserving persons in custody will be conditionally released after careful assessment and due diligence by the Parole Board in conjunction with the commissioner general,” the minister stated.
The parole marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of incarcerated individuals.
It is an example of the innovative approaches taken by the department to decongest correctional centres without compromising security and public safety.There were other regulations which had also led to the review and development of key departmental policies, such as the ongoing review of standing orders, rehabilitation and aftercare policy, and wellness policy. These policies were at an advanced stage and would be operational sooner.
She said over the years, the department had successfully transitioned from a punitive system to a corrections dimension, as encompassed by the constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini 2005 and the Correctional Services Act 2017. Shakantu said corrections was a dynamic field that required a multi-faceted approach to tackle the ever-arising challenges it faces.
“We do not undertake these advancements in isolation, but in alignment with our laws and international instruments we have acceded,” she stated.
These regulations had provided strategic direction in terms of the management, rehabilitation and aftercare treatment of convicted offenders. She said they had fully activated the department’s programmes established under the Correctional Services Act of 2017.
The minister further disclosed that the relentless efforts of the Correctional Services in maintaining security, preventing escapes, and ensuring the safe escort of inmates had resulted in a remarkable reduction in incidents compared to previous years.
She said they were resolute in the commitment to upholding the highest standards of corrections, meticulously adhering to legislative frameworks and international instruments that guide their actions. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to rehabilitate offenders and facilitate their successful reintegration into society,” Minister Shakantu stated.
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