BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – The Southern Africa Network of Prisons (SANOP-eSwatini) together with VSO took time to Capacitate His Majesty’s Correctional Services Officials on the Nelson Mandela Rules.
The Rules are based on an obligation to treat all prisoners with respect for their inherent dignity and value as human beings, and to prohibit torture and other forms of ill-treatment. According to their Facebook post, they offer detailed guidance on a wide variety of issues ranging from disciplinary measures to medical services.
It is said that SANOP aims to train officers for better and improved service delivery so they align themselves with international standards. This activity is under the current work plan of SANOP-eSwatini which was presented by the incoming National Coordinator Lindelwa Mkhwanazi.
The organisation further applauded His Majesty King Mswati III on their post for releasing some prisoners. This was through the Prerogative of Mercy Committee. His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Public Relations Officer Gugulethu Dlamini, confirmed the release of 952 convicted prisoners.
“SANOP-eSwatini would like to applaud the King, Ingwenyama of eSwatini who through the Prerogative of Mercy Committee released some deserving offenders back into Society. The responsibility is now ours at grass root levels; families, communities, churches and NGOs to act as a support system for sustainable transformation and for them to become responsible productive citizens of eSwatini.
SANOP ESwatini as an umbrella body of organisations dealing with HMCS, offenders and ex-offenders has its hands open to welcome rehabilitated offenders or those seeking to be further assisted in their rehabilitation journey as we offer referrals and counselling services through the Affiliate Member Organisations; ESACRO, Prison Fellowship eSwatini, Cornerstone eSwatini, SWANFE, SAYE, Phumelele Projects, ESWAREO, Kwakha Indvodza, HMCS and many other”, reads the post.
(Pics: SANOP Eswatini)
