Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, has announced special visitation arrangements that will allow offenders across all correctional centres to receive visits throughout the festive season.
The arrangement will run from Friday, December 19, until January 2, 2026, during which relatives of both convicted and non-convicted inmates will be permitted to visit daily from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
Announcing the development, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini said the decision was taken after considering the social realities faced by many families.
“We fully comprehend that some close family members do not often get the opportunity to visit their relatives due to various commitments,” said Dlamini. “The festive season provides a unique platform as most families are together and within proximity.”
She said the initiative was intended to ensure that offenders are not isolated from their families during a period traditionally associated with togetherness and reconciliation.
However, the Commissioner General cautioned that due to congestion in some correctional centres, families should plan their visits responsibly.
“Relatives are advised to discuss at family level on who will visit their incarcerated member in order to avoid an influx of visitors checking on one person in a single day,” she said. “This is in the spirit of allowing almost every offender to benefit from the new arrangement, as there is limited time and space allocated for visitations.”
She also appealed to the public to cooperate with correctional officials during the visitation period and beyond.“Members of the public are requested to cooperate with correctional officers and the administration by being flexible and adhering to the conditions of visits,” he said.
The COMGEN emphasised that all visitors will be required to produce their national identity cards upon arrival and reminded the public that food is strictly prohibited “No form of food is allowed into correctional centres,” Dlamini said. “Those who wish to buy certain items will do so at the tuck-shops available in the various centres.”
According to the Commissioner General, visits will take place under strict supervision, with no exchange of documents or items without authorisation from the officer in charge. He added that gadgets, recording devices and similar equipment are not permitted and that visitors are expected to dress appropriately.
“Visits are subject to conditions deemed necessary for the general control and management of a correctional centre and the maintenance of good order and discipline,” Dlamini said.
The correctional services leadership has reiterated that the festive visitation arrangement is aimed at balancing family contact with institutional security and order.
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