 copy.jpg)
MATSAPHA – Former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament (MP) Mthandeni Dube has been conditionally released, along with 11 other inmates, under a strict set of 11 conditions.
The conditions impose restrictions on interactions with the press, use of social media, attendance at social gatherings and participation in public speaking or presentations until the completion of their sentences.
The conditional release of Dube, who was arrested alongside former Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza on charges of terrorism and murder, was confirmed by His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Commissioner General, Phindile Dlamini, during a press briefing held yesterday at Matsapha Correctional Facility. Other beneficiaries of the conditional release include murder convict Boyce Gama (57) and convicted con artist Sitile Knowledge Dlamini (42), arrested for theft by false pretences.
Commissioner General Dlamini explained that, in terms of the King and Ingwenyama’s Special Pardon of 2025 under Section 329, read together with Sections 330, 331 and 332 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 67 of 1938, she has authorised the conditional release of 12 inmates—10 males and two females—to serve their remaining sentences under community service.
She noted that the 2025 Royal Pardon, as announced by the King and Ingwenyama, was categorised into two groups: A general pardon for 464 offenders, released without conditions and a reduction of sentences for 2 346 offenders.
“Under the Special Royal Pardon, 12 offenders—10 males and two females—benefitted. Most of these are long-serving inmates, with convictions dating back as far as 1992. These offenders are due for release with conditions attached,” she said.
The commissioner general emphasised that conditional pardons come with strict requirements. A social enquiry is first conducted within the community and family structures to assess the readiness of society to accept the offender. This is followed by counselling, after which the offender is placed in a public institution under community corrections for the remainder of their sentence.
Common conditions under community corrections include placement in a public institution, refraining from criminal activity or possession of dangerous weapons, adherence to Correctional rules, remaining within a designated community and avoiding involvement in illicit activities.
The conditions of release for inmates on special pardon
- Shall be under the periodic supervision of the department of His Majesty’s Correctional Services
- Shall remain with the place of residence for the offender. If the place of residence is changed, he/she shall advise the officer in charge or the programme officer for approval before change to the new residence
- Shall be placed under community service at an institution and/or organisation to be determined by the department of His Majesty’s Correctional Services
- Shall obey the reasonable directions of the Correctional Services at all times
- Shall not commit any offence and/or any form of misconduct and shall not possess any offensive weapon
- Shall not be permitted to leave the Kingdom of Eswatini throughout the period
- Shall surrender his/her passport or other valid international travel document to the officer in charge herein and not to apply for a new passport/travel document: If he/she wishes to travel, he/she shall make a formal request to the commissioner general for consideration
- Shall not affiliate in any political organisation and/or participate in any political or similar activities
- Shall not participate in any press or social media (both electronic and print) activities or social gathering, public presentation/speaking until the expiry of his sentence;
- Shall be subject to any other conditions recommended by the Prerogative of Mercy Committee and the Commissioner General
- Any breach of the above conditions will render you liable to forfeiture of sentence in the conditional release and be returned to complete the remainder of the sentence in custody.
Mother emotional after son’s release
NGWEMPISI - Kesta Dube (77), the mother of former Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube, burst into tears after receiving good news, but she shared her concern that her son would come home to an empty house.
This publication visited the former MP’s mother at her home in Ngwempisi yesterday, shortly after the press conference where the news of the conditional release of 12 offenders was announced.
After being briefed about the developments, she wept and prayed, praising the Lord as she believed it was His will that her son was still alive and received a conditional release from jail. She also expressed her gratitude to Their Majesties and HMCS for considering her son among those who should benefit from the Royal pardon. She expressed her eagerness to see him and repeatedly asked this publication when Mthandeni would come home.
However, the former Ngwempisi MP’s mother, still in tears, shared her concern that her son would return to find his house empty, as his wife recently packed all her belongings, including the fence and furniture and left.
“She (Mthandeni’s wife) has been living at my son’s home all along, but there was no connection between her and the Dube family members. Even when I went to my son’s house, she would just go inside and lock the door as soon as she saw me approaching,” she alleged.
*…
Dube distances himself from any political party affiliation
MATSAPHA – Former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament, Mthandeni Dube, has publicly distanced himself from affiliation with any political party.
He said he is not affiliated with any political organisation, instead he continues to support the Tinkhundla System of Government under which he served during his time in Parliament.
“Ngiyacala kuyiva leyekutsi besenginguloko (Deputy President of Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO),” Dube said, expressing regret over his past actions but making it clear that his political stance remains independent.
“I do not affiliate with any political organisation. I continue to support and believe in the Tinkhundla System of government,” he added, highlighting his commitment to the system that prioritises community representation and local governance over party politics.
Speaking after being granted a Royal pardon, Dube reflected on his time in custody and the transformative impact of His Majesty’s Correctional Services.
“I would like to thank the commissioner general for all that we have passed through, for your patience. Coming from outside to serve time under the Correctional law is challenging, but we are thankful that we were corrected with love where we were not doing right. We pray that this may continue for those who are still inside,” he said. Dube praised the officers and programmes that assisted inmates in rehabilitation, particularly the Chaplaincy services. “A person without God is nothing. Without God, you are not able to see your mistakes. A person without God is not able to humble themselves, nor ask for forgiveness where they have wronged or made mistakes,” he said.
*…
‘Predecessor’s release boosts constituency development’
NGWEMPISI - Archbishop Bhekibandla Vilakati, the MP for the Ngwempisi Constituency, says the conditional release of his predecessor will benefit the constituency in terms of development.
Vilakati began by thanking Their Majesties for their forgiving hearts towards those who humble themselves and show remorse after wrongdoing. He said the return of Dube will boost the community regarding development projects, as he will be able to consult with him in person on both ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
In this regard, he urged the members of the constituency, particularly his community members, to provide Dube with the support he needs during this trying time, where he will be living under certain conditions.
*…
Residents welcome ex-MP
NGWEMPISI - Some residents of Ngwempisi have expressed their readiness to accept, support and protect their former MP, Mthandeni Dube.
They shared their happiness that the long wait for his conditional release is over, noting that they followed the press conference through traditional media outlets and social media.
“We are aware that a slight mistake, like engaging with the media, could land him back in jail. So, we want to know where we can report occurrences that might pose a potential risk of him returning to jail, such as media outlets seeking interviews or following his community service work,” they enquired.
One of his close neighbours, Muzi Mhlanga, expressed his immense happiness regarding the conditional release of their former MP. He urged community members to remember that, above all, Dube is a friend, a relative, a neighbour, a brother, a father, a husband and a child to someone.
He remarked that this important ecosystem was severely affected by his incarceration. As neighbours, they feel that God has visited them in a special way through the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane.
Close friends deserted me - freed woman inmate
MATSAPHA - “I was deserted by friends, even those I once shared my money with.”
These were the powerful words of Sitile Knowledge Dlamini, a woman who was arrested for strings of theft by false pretences, after she duped people with false promises of jobs in the army. Dlamini is among the 12 inmates granted Royal pardon parole by His Majesty King Mswati III after years of serving her sentence at His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
Speaking during her release, Dlamini reflected on her downfall, isolation and ultimate redemption behind bars. She said her conviction in 2019 exposed the painful truth about the people she once trusted.
“Since I was convicted, none of my friends came to visit me, not even those that I used to share my money with. They disappeared when I needed them the most. It was painful because I had thought these were people who truly cared about me,” she said.
Quoting Proverbs 19:7, she added: “If someone is deserted by their family, definitely their friends will do the same.” Dlamini said that the loneliness she faced in prison pushed her to turn her life around and give herself to God.
“I will admit that I did a wrong thing (Kwagangeka), but what surprises me the most is the generosity and kindness I am receiving today. You come out of here without Jesus and you are ruined,” she said.
*…
Death row inmate transforms life through education
MATSAPHA – When 22-year-old Boyce Gama walked through the gates of His Majesty’s Correctional Services decades ago, he was a Grade IV dropout serving a death sentence for murder.
However, at 57, he is walking out with a degree and diplomas and full of gratitude for a second chance at life.
Gama’s incarceration and subsequent fight for freedom started in 1993, when he was convicted of murdering businessman Malangeni Dlamini, subsequent to his arrest in 1992. Gama, who hails from KaLanga in the Lubombo Region, was sentenced to death. His biggest wish is to visit schools and communities to warn young people not to repeat his mistakes. “Using dangerous weapons, drugs, bad friends and gangsterism only lead to death and destruction.”
He is among the 12 inmates who have been granted Royal pardon parole by His Majesty King Mswati III. Having spent over three decades behind bars, he said his time in the Correctional facility transformed him from a broken young man into a reformed, educated and spiritually renewed individual.
“When I came in, I was a dropout, but now I am leaving with a degree and a number of diplomas. I thank God for keeping me alive and giving me the strength to change,” he said with a smile.
*Full article available in our publication
