Courts

NGWEMPISI – Mthandeni Dube’s mother burst in tears as she related how happy she is that her son is finally coming home.

He is scheduled to be released in October under the Prerogative of Mercy.

Kesta Dube (77) showered accolades on His Majesty King Mswati III and her Majesty the Indlovukazi for endorsing the parole of her son.

“Ayidle itishiyele Wena Waphakathi. Sonkhe siyacolisa,” she said as tears ran down her cheeks, meaning “sincere apologies to His Majesty. We are all apologetic.”

She said the King is a true Christian because he has the heart to forgive. “I also know that the King could not have taken such a decision alone, without the counsel of Her Majesty the Indlovukazi. They are both a blessing to the nation and may the Lord give them many more years to live,” she said.

Her son who is the former Member of Parliament for Ngwempisi Inkhundla was arrested together with Hosea Member of Parliament Bacede Mabuza for terrorism and murder. Both were charged for contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, following widespread pro-democracy protests in June 2021. The MPs were accused of inciting violence that resulted in damage to public infrastructure and several fatalities. They were denied bail and later convicted on July 15, 2024.  Mthandeni was sentenced to 18 years in jail while his co-accused will spend 25 years in jail, if he is not successful in his appeal. Prior to sentencing, they had been held in arbitrary detention for nearly two years.  Kesta, who is now sickly, said she had been hearing that there are moves to release her son after he apologised. She said the visit by the news crew to her home had brought her hope at last.

“Hhaw Nkulunkulu wami, ngitsi Bayethe! Wena Waphakathi!. May God give the King many more years for his kindness.  She said she greatly missed her son and knows that he was influenced to fall into the trap that eventually landed him in jail.

She said she prays for him every day, ever since he was arrested. “My husband left me to care for these children and my heart was very painful when Mthandeni got arrested and sentenced to many years in jail. God has answered my prayers. I am so happy to hear the news.”

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He did well by humbling himself - residents

NGWEMPISI – Residents of Ngwempisi, Mthandeni Dube’s inkhundla, have congratulated him for humbling himself and apologising to His Majesty King Mswati III.

The residents said Dube demonstrated a high level of maturity and love for his family. They said if the law permitted, they could even re-elect him MP in future. Raymond Mhlanga said Mthandeni was a well-behaved member of society who contributed a lot to development.

“I am so happy for him and will be the first person to visit him when he arrives home,” he said.

Mlungisi Ndzima said Mthandeni always assisted children with school fees and willingly contributed to funerals.

“We will slaughter a cow to welcome him because we loved him in the area,” Ndzima said.

When asked to comment about those who condemn Dube on social media for his stance, interviewed community members said he must ignore them. “Those people must just keep quiet because they are living happily with their families, while Mthandeni is in jail. He has taken the right decision by apologising.” Bob Simelane spoke of the many projects that Dube was driving in the area, including youth projects.

“I have no doubt that by now, we could be having the first factory at the Ngwemphisi Inkhundla employing hundreds of our youths,” he said.

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Oldest inmate released on pardon 74yrs old, youngest 15

MBABANE – The oldest offender to be released from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) on parole is 74 years old, while the youngest is 15.

They are part of the 464 offenders, comprising 443 males and 21 females, who were granted freedom through the Prerogative of Mercy of His Majesty King Mswati III.

Deputy Public Relations Officer Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene urged the rehabilitated offenders to uphold respect, discipline and responsibility as they return to their families and communities. Kunene said the release of the offenders comes as part of His Majesty’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitation, restorative justice and the strengthening of families and communities.

“It also reflects the broader vision of correctional transformation which seeks to emphasise rehabilitation over punishment and to provide second chances for those who have demonstrated readiness to change.” Kunene highlighted the significance of this development and urged the young people to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them. “We encourage our young people to value the opportunity given to them. Respect for parents, guardians and community members will not only help them rebuild trust, but also secure a brighter future,” said Kunene.

He further stressed that the release should not be seen merely as an end to incarceration, but as the beginning of a renewed journey marked by discipline, good conduct and constructive participation in community life. HMCS emphasised the importance of family support, traditional structures, faith-based organisations and community stakeholders in ensuring a smooth reintegration process. “The service emphasised that collective responsibility is key in helping the released youth overcome stigma, rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.”

Families were called upon to provide love, guidance and encouragement, while communities were urged to create environments that foster acceptance and positive growth. HMCS reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant partners to deliver a wide range of rehabilitation and aftercare programmes. “These initiatives are designed to reduce recidivism, empower young people to secure livelihoods and promote lasting behavioural change. The release of the offenders demonstrates the compassion of His Majesty the King and reinforces the country’s belief in restorative justice and second chances.

“It is a reflection of HMCS vision of transforming Correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation where offenders are equipped with tools to contribute positively to society upon their release,” said HMCS in the statement.

The inmates were granted their freedom following that during HMCS Day on June 20, 2025, King Mswati III extended pardon to convicted prisoners in terms of Section 329 as read with Sections 330, 331 and 332 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 67/1938 (as amended).

*Full article available in our publication.

Mthandeni’s home at Ngwempisi, in Mankayane. (Pic: Timothy Simelane)

A resident, Raymond Mhlanga, is happy that his neighbour Dube will be released.

Mthandeni’s Mother Kesta Dube could not hold back tears at the news that her son will be released from prison.