BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– First-year students at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) were given more than just academic guidance during their orientation programme when officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) stepped in to deliver a powerful lesson on how everyday choices can determine whether one builds a future or ends up behind bars.
The engagement, held at the UNESWA Mbabane Campus, saw HMCS officials educating new students on gangsterism, crime prevention and the realities of life within the correctional system. The session formed part of HMCS’ broader crime awareness and community outreach strategy aimed at protecting young people during a critical transition into adulthood and higher education.
Rather than focusing only on punishment, officers took a preventative approach, explaining how criminal behaviour often starts unnoticed through peer pressure, substance abuse and the temptation of fast money. Students were shown how social environments common on university campuses can sometimes expose young people to risky behaviour that gradually leads to conflict with the law.
HMCS officers used real-life experiences and interactive discussions to highlight the consequences of crime, not only for offenders, but also for families, communities and the nation. By sharing what they witness daily in correctional facilities, officers offered students an unfiltered look into the long-term impact of poor decision-making.
Beyond warnings, the session equipped students with practical tools to protect themselves. Emphasis was placed on personal accountability, respect for the law, resisting negative influences and knowing when and how to seek help or report suspicious activities. Students were encouraged to see discipline and law-abiding conduct as essential building blocks for academic success and personal growth.
The interaction also helped break down misconceptions about the correctional system, allowing students to engage directly with officers and ask questions in an open environment. This approach reinforced the message that avoiding crime is far easier, and far better, than attempting to rebuild one’s life after incarceration.
HMCS expressed confidence that the initiative will contribute to a safer and more responsible campus culture at UNESWA. The department further reaffirmed its commitment to working with educational institutions to instil national values, promote crime awareness and support the holistic development of young people as future leaders of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pic)
