BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has launched an intensive manhunt for an inmate who escaped from lawful custody at Matsapha Correctional Centre on Tuesday afternoon, prompting authorities to appeal to members of the public for information that could lead to his swift recapture.
According to a press statement issued by HMCS, the inmate, Banele Messia Matsebula, escaped at around 2:00pm while undertaking work duties within the precincts of the correctional facility.
Correctional authorities said Matsebula was among inmates assigned to carry out work inside the correctional centre when he managed to flee under circumstances that are now the subject of an internal investigation.
The escape has triggered an immediate security response, with correctional officers working alongside the Royal Eswatini Police Service to trace the fugitive.
HMCS identified the escaped inmate as Banele Messia Matsebula, who was born in Ngculwini (Joy Mission). He is serving a five-year prison sentence for Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV)-related offences and was scheduled for release on July 1, 2029.
Authorities have urged the public not to attempt to apprehend the inmate themselves but instead to immediately report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts.
In its appeal, HMCS stressed that community cooperation remains critical in ensuring the inmate is returned to lawful custody as quickly as possible.
“The public is kindly requested to be on the lookout for the escaped inmate and to provide any information that may assist in his recapture,” the statement said.
Members of the public with information have been asked to contact the Officer-in-Charge at Matsapha Correctional Centre on 7668 4473 or 7909 2536, or the HMCS Public Relations Office on 7909 2501.
Alternatively, information may be reported to the Royal Eswatini Police Service through the emergency numbers 999 or 9999, or at the nearest correctional facility or police station.
The statement was issued by Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene, Deputy Public Relations Officer for His Majesty’s Correctional Services.
The incident is expected to prompt a review of security procedures governing inmate work assignments within correctional facilities as investigations continue into how the escape occurred.
Correctional authorities have assured the nation that every available resource has been mobilised to locate the escapee and urged anyone with credible information to come forward immediately to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring the inmate is safely returned to custody.
(Courtesy Pic)
