These were the words of some foreign nationals who were arrested for entering and remaining in the country, as well as engaging in employment within a gambling business without valid permits.
The foreign nationals, originating from countries such as Mainland China, the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam, were among those arrested during a police raid at Woodlands and the Madlenya House, following reports of continued illegal gambling activities in the country.
Their arrest came a few days after the detention of 88 foreign nationals at Castle Hotel in Thembelihle, Mbabane. The individuals arrested at Castle Hotel were from various countries, including Brazil, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Mainland China, Myanmar and other overseas nations.
The 20 foreign nationals had been in custody since their arrest on March 20, 2026. They expressed their happiness immediately after the Mbabane Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi pronounced her verdict, sentencing them to six months imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of E500 for each of the two counts.
It is noteworthy that the court’s sentencing was guided by the relevant statute.
Initially, the foreign nationals shed tears, prompting Nhlabatsi to enquire if there was anything they wished to say during the trial. However, the individuals, wiping tears from their eyes, responded that they were not crying but expressing their joy.
Mitigating on behalf of her clients, Noncedo Ndlangamandla, pleaded for the court’s leniency. Ndlangamandla submitted that her clients had shown remorse since their arrest.
She requested that the court consider an option of paying a fine, especially given that the Crown had indicated there were no records of previous convictions.
“My clients have instructed me to extend their heartfelt apologies to the court, the country authorities, His Majesty’s Correctional Services and other stakeholders affected by their actions. They have also expressed that they have learnt their lesson during their four months of incarceration,” she stated.
The Crown applied that the foreign nationals be detained in custody pending their repatriation, as provided for under Section 8(8) of the Immigration Act of 1982.
This section of law states that when a person is charged with unlawfully entering Eswatini or remaining unlawfully in the country, and an application has been made or is about to be made to the minister for an order under this section, the court may order that such individual be detained in prison or police custody for a period not exceeding 14 days, pending a decision by the minister for Home Affairs.
Additionally, Ndlangamandla informed the court that her clients were prepared to purchase their flight tickets with assistance from their families. She stated that she was in regular communication with the families regarding the arrangements for the tickets.
The foreign nationals also showed signs of happiness upon being informed that their detention in prison was temporary and pending their repatriation. They repeatedly said ‘siyabonga’ (thank you), smiling as the Mbabane Principal Magistrate, Fikile Nhlabatsi, explained the provisions of Section 8(8) of the Immigration Act of 1982.
Nhlabatsi explained that remaining in prison was safer because it would protect them from any risks while awaiting repatriation. She added that staying in prison would prevent them from falling into temptation or committing the same offence again after release.
The foreign nationals nodded in agreement and repeated ‘siyabonga’ as a sign of their gratitude.
They also requested the court to order the release of their belongings. However, they were advised to raise this issue with their defence counsel.
It was later confirmed that an application for the release of the gadgets detained during their arrest was still pending in court.
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