THULANI’S REQUEST TO SEE WIFE IN PRIVATE REJECTED

MBABANE – A request by jailed Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko to see his wife in private at His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has been rejected.

Maseko, who is serving a two-year sentence at Big Bend correctional facility- had written a letter to the HMCS Commissioner General Isaiah Mzuthini Ntshangase asking for permission to see his wife in camera.

In the letter to the Commissioner General, Maseko had requested that his wife be allowed to visit him at a close range other than public consultation rooms, at least two times a week as ‘first-degree family’.

The commissioner general said his request could not stand due to the fact that all inmates in their facilities needed to be afforded equal privileges.
“Regarding the request to have your wife, Tenele Maseko visit you at a close range other than public consultation rooms, at least two times a week as first degree family. Unfortunately, this request cannot stand due to the fact that all inmates in our facilities need to be afforded equal privileges,” reads part of the letter from HMCS to Maseko.

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Ntshangase further stated that currently they do not have such facilities for visitors, other than legal advisors, to consult at close range, even for first- degree family members.
“Consequently, your wife may be allowed to visit you on weekends and holidays, in the usual consultation rooms for visitors, as is the case with all inmates,” further reads the letter.

In the letter, the commissioner general also stated that he was aware that prior to his arrest, Maseko was running a law firm.
He said he appreciated that in his (Maseko) absence, an officer ought to consult with him relating to office matters.

“Sibusiso Magnificent Nhlabatsi, Sipho Gumedze and Happy Mkhabela, may be allowed to consult with yourself but such consultations will be in accordance with Regulation 47 (4) of the Prisons Regulation, that is, with the permission of the officer in charge. the legal advisors, their clerks may see yourself concerning legal matters, within sight and hearing of an officer,” stated Ntshangase.

He stated that in this regard, only lawyer Mandla Mkhwanazi may be allowed to consult in accordance with Regulation 47 (1) which provides that, if after conviction an inmate gives notice of appeal, the officer in charge shall afford him reasonable facilities to see his legal advisors concerning the appeal, within sight, but not hearing, of an officer.

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