BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Correctional officers should put education first so that they can be able to improve service delivery within His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
His Majesty King Mswati III said this today when he delivered his key-note address to the correctional officers who were passing out today (Friday, August 2, 2024) during the Correctional Services Day. His Majesty said he was delighted to note that among the new correctional officers, there were those that had graduated with diplomas and bachelor’s degrees.
“We would like to extend our congratulations to those correctional officers who have graduated with degrees and certificates from educational institutions of higher learning. Education is a process that continues throughout one’s whole life,” said the King.
The King further said several of the correctional officers had completed polygraphy and forensic investigation courses. His Majesty believed that this would improve the work that HMCS did in a world that was transforming rapidly.
His Majesty further encouraged HMCS to embrace technology because it made quality products to be produced in bounds within a short space of time. “We are aware that the world is evolving through technology and the adoption of ICT in security support and offender management systems,” said the King.
He said it was encouraging that HMCS was a part of this evolution. He stated that the remote remand system, launched in Shiselweni, eliminated the need for physical appearance in court. “We hope to see this initiative replicated in all correctional centres around the country. The organisation needs to ensure it becomes more efficient and stays ahead of criminal elements through the use of new technologies,” he said.
