Africa-Press – Eswatini. Terrorism charged suspects currently incarcerated at the Sidvwashini correctional facility are said to be recruiting other inmates.
Sidwashini Correctional Service Officer in-Charge, Assistant Superintendent Musawenkhosi Shongwe, informed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane and HMCS Commissioner General, Lamakhosini Phindile Dlamini, during a tour of the facility, that they were challenged by the lack of adequate space to classify offenders according to the crime they committed.
As a result of overcrowding at the facility, which currently has 339 offenders, Shongwe said they were forced to accommodate high risk offenders (maximum) suspected to have bombed automated teller machines and those who contravened the Suppression of Terrorism Act with other inmates.
While Shongwe did not reveal who the suspects were, a member of Swazis First Democratic Front (SFDF), Sibusiso Nxumalo, and his co-accused, Muzi Mnisi, appeared at the High Court where they face 38 charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
They appeared without legal representation during their first and second remand hearings. When their right to legal representation was explained to them, they informed the court that they were appearing in person as they were unable to secure the services of an attorney.
Shongwe said ideally such offenders must be separated from the rest of the inmates to avoid inciting, recruiting and polluting.
“Due to the challenge posed by the lack of space we end up mixing high risk offenders, which includes terrorism suspects whom we have learnt now try to recruit other inmates. Officers cannot even sleep due to this challenge,” Shongwe disclosed.
Another challenge they were faced with, according to Shongwe, was the growing trend of gangsterism, saying there were 26, 28 and K-9 gangs within the correctional facilities.
He disclosed that in the latest incident, some members of the gangs rubbed each other the wrong way, which resulted in some of them being arrested. The officer narrated that in one instance, a fight ensued among the gangs after they found themselves in the same cell, which poses a great safety threat to correctional officers as well.
“Gangsterism is a serious challenge to the extent that it is recommended that we have A block and B block (unit system),” he said.
Shongwe said there was a huge influx of inmates transferred into their centre due to the nature of their offences, which led to overcrowding.
“The overcrowding challenge has been fuelled by the fact that the centre was built pre-independence. It was designed for low population suiting that period of time,” Shongwe explained.
It was stated that another factor that led to overcrowding was psychiatric evaluation, which took long to conclude and one was finally able to secure the doctor’s evaluation report.
“Therefore, offenders can neither be transferred to Matsapha Mental Asylum Centre nor have their matters heard in court. We find ourselves accommodating someone who belongs to the mental health centre,” he said.
The officer also disclosed that the perimeter of their fence was dilapidated, which threatens security.
Apart from the shortage of space for inmates, the minister was informed that officers also face the same predicament.
“As the department evolves and grows, and the introduction of new services, for example psychologists, social welfare, chaplain, legal officer no offices were built. Officers are now crowded in the same limited space,” he said. The minister also learnt that there was shortage of office furniture. Shongwe said there was not enough furniture to the extent that they were forced to share among officers from different departments.
“From time to time, furniture gets moved from one office to another,” Shongwe said.
He further mentioned that there was a shortage of specialist officers. Shongwe said currently, the facility has only one nurse and one psychologist who were supposed to service the large offender population, officers and also offer their services to the outside public since correctional facility was also a centre of excellence.
The officer added that there was a shortage of transport. He said there was not enough transport to convey offenders to and from court and health centres.
“The ones currently in use are no-longer in good condition and require service on a frequent basis which could be as a result of the fact that they are being overly used. They are very few,” he added. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, acknowledged having heard the challenges faced by the facility.
He said they would be addressed after having taken into account available resources.
“We note the concerns, they will be taken to relevant authorities,” the prince said. HMCS Commissioner General Lamakhosini Phindile Dlamini also pleaded with the minister to address the challenges faced by the department in order for officers to efficiently execute their duties.
“Honourable minister kindly assist with the challenges faced. Otherwise, we are generally happy for your wise guidance. We pledge to always be respectful,” said Dlamini.
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