MBABANE:Professor Dlamini,the lawyer representing incarcerated freedom fighters who stand accused of attempting to overthrow King Mswati’s undemocratic Tinkhundla regime, has been stopped by the Correctional Services from consulting with his clients, in gross violation of international laws protecting the rights of prisoners.
Eswatini is ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch, political parties are banned and freedom fighters are arrested,tortured or killed for demanding democratic reforms.
In a letter dated 10th February 2024 and addressed to Phindile Dlamini, the Commissioner General of the Correctional Services, the lawyer expressed concerns about the decision by the prison authorities to deprive him access to his clients since last year.
“I advise that at the Matsapha Correctional Services and at Sidvwashini Correctional Services I have a number of clients who are suspected to have contravened the Supression of Terrorism Act and currently detained there pending their trial. Since December, 2023 the prison authorities at Matsapha Correctional Services has denied and refused me the right to consult with the clients as I may legally wish”, reads the letter in part
A questionnaire was sent to Phindile Dlamini,the Commissioner General of the Correctional Services, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Reached for comments, the lawyer confirmed writing a letter to the Correctional Services Commissioner General.
“Yes, I wrote the letter to the Commissioner General. I’m being deprived the right to see my clients”, said the lawyer.
On another note, the lawyer’s clients,some who are suspected to be members of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces(SISF) include; Thabo Kunene, the alleged Commander of the Solidarity Forces, Sibusiso Nkomonye, Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu, Philani Sihlongonyane and German Dlamini.
Others include; Muzi Mnisi, Sibusiso Nxumalo,Sibongseni Shongwe, Bongmusa Mthembu, Musa Kunene and Musa Ntshalitshali, Menzi Phungula,Siza Zwane and Siphosethu Malinga.
It is alleged that,the freedom fighters are tortured,deprived food and access to health care by the Correctional Services senior officers.
An effort by the lawyers to secure a court order to force the prison authorities to allow Thabo Kunene, the alleged Solidarity Forces Commander access to health care proved unsuccessful as the Judge handling the matter did not deliver any judgement in an effort to frustrate the process.
Judges in eSwatini allegedly takes orders from Mswati, an absolute Monarch, particularly on matters threatening the existence of the institution of the Monarchy and the Tinkhundla system of Governance.

The letter written by lawyer Professor Dlamini to the prison authorities.