MBABANE – Economic Freedom Fighters Eswatini member Siphosethu Malinga, who was arrested for alleged terrorism in March 2023, claims warders assaulted him for not combing his hair.
On the other hand, His Majesty’s Correctional Services says Malinga does not want to bath yet the facility puts a premium on hygiene.
Malinga was arrested with Swaziland Liberation Movement’s (SWALIMO) son Zweli Simelane and SWALIMO member Mxolisi Simelane. They face three counts of allegedly contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008, two of robbery and one of contravening the Passport Act of 1971.
Through his legal representatives, Professor M. Dlamini Attorneys, Malinga wrote to His Majesty’s Correctional Services commissioner general to lodge a complaint. The letter is dated February 5, 2026.
The letter reads: “Our client instructs us that he was severely assaulted by prison officers for not having combed his hair. Since then, the client has been trying to raise the issue with the officer-in-charge at Sidwashini Correctional Services.
“It is common course that it is not the first time that the complainant and other Suppression of Terrorism Act detainees/suspects have complained of similar treatment at the hands of the prison authorities in the past and no action has been taken.”
The letter states that all detainees, including the Suppression of Terrorism Act offences detainees have rights which need to be protected by all citizens of the country, including Correctional officers.
It also states that detainees, including Malinga, are presumed innocent until proven guilty or acquitted in a court of law.
“To compel the detainee to comb his hair when his conscience is against that, is a violation of his basic fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. By this letter, therefore, we demand that you duly investigate this abnormal behaviour by your officers and if the complaints are proved to be true, the officers involved should be subjected to disciplinary action,” further reads the letter.
The letter further urges the Correctional Services to desist from acts of violating the rights of the detainees in any manner whatsoever.
“Lastly, your office is urged to take prompt action and attend to grievances raised by the Suppression of Terrorism suspects as these suspects found themselves vulnerable because of the charges they are facing. This is evidenced by the fact that, for unexplained reasons, they are treated differently from other detainees.”
In a formal response dated February 5, 2026, His Majesty’s Correctional Services has categorically denied the allegations of assault, describing them as a deliberate ploy by Malinga to secure a transfer to Matsapha Correctional Centre.
Superintendent Wakhe Masilela, acting as the Legal Officer, clarified that Malinga was not assaulted, but was instead warned regarding his persistent refusal to adhere to basic hygiene standards.
According to the department, Malinga has constantly violated Regulations 73 and 74, which mandate regular bathing and the maintenance of neat hair or shaving for hygiene purposes.
The facility alleges that Malinga has been warned on several occasions to take regular baths, noting that he would frequently line for food having not taken a bath.
On January 31, 2026, Malinga was reportedly given a final verbal warning to align with cleanliness rules or face formal disciplinary action.
Following the allegation of assault, Malinga was reportedly ordered to see a doctor or nurse at the clinic but refused to go. He is said to have failed to provide the names of the officers he claimed attacked him.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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