MATSAPHA:Madala Mhlanga, the Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly has applauded Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini and the entire institution for the ongoing positive rehabilitation programs.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday after leading a delegation of MPs that visited ex-Member of Parliament (MP) Bacede Mabuza and other high profile inmates, the Deputy Speaker who doubles as Mhlangatane MP said, the delegation was impressed with the ongoing rehabilitation programs adding that, the “programs are in line with the Correctional Services Act of 2017”.
The Deputy Speaker further said as MPs, they visited the Matsapha Correctional Institution to familiarize themselves with the ongoing rehabilitation programs and further understand if they align with the Correctional Services Act.
“It’s important to remember inmates because all of us may find ourselves inside the Matsapha Correctional Facility, we need to improve the quality of the rehabilitation to align with international standards. Furthermore, we must give support to the Correctional Services in the implementation of the Correctional Services Act of 2017 because as a country, through Parliament, we decided to transform from Prisons to Correctional Services. Ngiko-ke ngitsi wena Sbali kuboshwa kufana nesitfunti, kulahla kukulandzela nawusaphila, sonkhe nami nje ngingatikhandza ngilapha. Kungako kufanele bangalahlwa labo labasemajele. Muhle kakhulu lomsebenti lesiwubone lapha singe-Malunga ePhalamende,” said the Deputy Speaker.
On another note, the Deputy Speaker said the delegation of MPs was impressed to see ex-MP Bacede Mabuza happy and welcoming them with a smile.
“He welcomed us with smile and we were happy to see him. It’s important to understand that, the inmates are still part of us as a society regardless of their past mistakes, they are being rehabilitated. As MPs we were also told that, respectful inmates might be allowed to visit their homes in the morning and then, go back in the evening as part of the ongoing positive rehabilitation program implemented by the Correctional Services,” he said.
The delegation that visited the Matsapha Correctional Facility includes King’s Protocol Officer Khandlela Mdluli, Mayiwane MP Sicelo KhungaNkhosi Dlamini, Senator Celumusa Mndvoti, MP Welcome Dlamini and MP Sifiso Shongwe among others.
A delegation of MPs visited Matsapha Correctional Facility.