Flowers, letters sent through lawyer to partners

MBABANE – Letters and flowers remain the only means of communicating love among the foreign nationals arrested for illegal gambling in the country.

This transpired when they appeared in court for a remand hearing yesterday. Some of the accused flooded their lawyer, Noncedo Ndlangamandla, with flowers and handwritten letters dedicated to their partners, who are detained separately.

Notably, the female accused persons are held at Mawelawela Correctional Facility, while the males are detained at Sidwashini Correctional Facility.

The accused requested Ndlangamandla to deliver the flowers and letters on their behalf, as they were only able to see their partners without any form of communication in court. Some letters were addressed to partners and relatives back home. The accused also asked Ndlangamandla to scan and send the letters to their overseas relatives.

 However, Correctional Services officers advised Ndlangamandla to visit her clients in prison personally, rather than delivering the flowers and letters in court. At the time, Ndlangamandla had not made any move.

The accused had an opportunity to meet their lawyer upon entry into the courtroom. Security was notably tight, with officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services seated strategically between the accused to prevent any possible disruption.

In addition to the flowers and letters, the accused requested Ndlangamandla to check on their property and find ways to keep it safe while they are languishing in custody. She promised to do everything possible to secure their belongings.

Some of the accused covered their faces immediately after noticing journalists entering the coatroom, while others appeared relaxed and even posed for photographs. One accused individual stated  that he did not care about having his picture taken, asserting he had nothing to lose. The foreign nationals were remanded in custody until June 12, 2026, pending trial. Upon leaving the court, the officers divided the accused to prevent confusion. They were transported in a convoy of seven cars, guarded by armed officers.

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