BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has issued a statement addressing allegations said to be made by an entity claiming to be the Eswatini Correctional Services Staff Association (ECOSSA).
The department firmly denies the legitimacy of ECOSSA, asserting that it does not represent the interests of junior officers and has no formal recognition or working agreement with this entity.
Existence of the Correctional Services Officers Staff Association
The department confirms the existence of the Correctional Services Officers Staff Association, which has been operational for 35 years. This association represents the interests and welfare of all officers from the rank of Senior Superintendent down to support staff and civilian officers. The department emphasizes that it does not recognize ECOSSA as a legitimate representative body for officers.
Allegations and Misinformation
The department became aware of ECOSSA through social media and verified its registration with the Labour Commissioner in August 2021. However, since that time, no application for a recognition agreement has been received from ECOSSA, as required by the Industrial Relations Act, 2000. Consequently, the department maintains that it has no record of any working relationship with ECOSSA.
The department expresses concern over the spread of misinformation by ECOSSA, particularly regarding alleged persecution of its members. It clarifies that all disciplinary actions taken against officers are based on individual conduct and violations of service terms, not on membership in any unauthorized association.
Disciplinary Procedures
The department states that ongoing disciplinary cases involve charges related to individual conduct, such as absenteeism and failure to follow lawful orders. These charges are governed by the Correctional Services Act of 2017 and the Correctional Services Regulations of 2022. Officers facing disciplinary actions are informed of the charges and have the right to defend themselves before impartial panels.
Conclusion
His Majesty’s Correctional Services urges all officers to refrain from engaging with questionable entities like ECOSSA and to remain aligned with the legally recognized Staff Association. The department is committed to treating all officers fairly and upholding the standards expected in their duties, while also protecting the integrity of the Correctional Services.
