MBABANE – Families of foreign nationals arrested in Eswatini are pleading with authorities to repatriate their relatives as the number of detainees rises to nearly 200.
The appeals come as this publication continues its coverage of the crackdown on the alleged illegal online gambling syndicate, which has drawn international attention and left families across several countries in distress.
In previous reports, this publication detailed how dozens of foreign nationals from countries such as Mainland China, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Cambodia were arrested during police raids on premises in Mbabane, Ezulwini and along the Mbabane-Manzini corridor. The suspects were allegedly found operating unlicensed online gambling activities, with some houses converted into makeshift workstations equipped with computers. Some were arrested at Hawane and Woodlands in Mbabane last Friday.
Now, as investigations deepen and the number of accused persons climbs to about 200, families say they are grappling with shock, confusion and uncertainty, with many only learning of their relatives’ whereabouts through media reports.
Some of the families who spoke to this publication said their relatives had left home under the impression that they were pursuing legitimate employment opportunities.
One family from Indonesia said their relative had informed them that he was travelling to work in a hotel.
“The family was aware that he was travelling and he only said he was going to work at a hotel. We did not ask for further details about the location or the job,” said the family member.
The relative reportedly arrived in Eswatini earlier this month.
“We have been trying to contact authorities for assistance, but we are still waiting for a response,” the family member added.
Another case involves a 24-year-old Brazilian man whose father, Luciano, said his son had always travelled legally and maintained regular contact with the family.
According to Luciano, his son told the family he was travelling to an African country for a short stay and would return to Brazil after a few days.
“He was away for about 30 days and we spoke every day. Then suddenly, we lost contact,” he said.
After two days without communication, Luciano contacted the Brazilian Embassy in Maputo, where he was informed about the arrests in Eswatini.
“The embassy sent me a report from the Times of Eswatini, and that is how I confirmed that my son was among those detained,” he said.
Luciano said the family had since engaged legal representation in Eswatini through assistance from the embassy.
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Correctional Services assures capacity to hold arrested foreigners
MBABANE – His Majesty’s Correctional Services has moved to allay public concerns over its capacity to accommodate the 146 foreign nationals recently remanded to Sidwashini.
The Correctional Services reaffirmed its readiness to all court directives and maintaining secure custody.
This follows widespread debate sparked by reports, including those published by Times of Eswatini, which detailed the arrest of the foreign nationals during coordinated police operations targeting illegal activities and immigration violations.
The arrests, which drew national attention, raised questions about whether the country’s Correctional facilities could manage such a significant number of detainees.
In a formal response, Correctional Services Public Relations Officer Baphelele Kunene emphasised that it remains fully prepared to carry out its mandate without compromise.
“The Correctional Services reaffirms its readiness and commitment to effectively implement all court orders and directives, in line with the law,” the institution stated.
It stressed that, as a professional arm of the justice system, it is equipped to handle all individuals committed to its custody, irrespective of nationality.
“As a professional institution within the justice system, we ensure that all individuals placed in our custody -regardless of nationality, including recently apprehended foreign nationals -are managed securely, fairly and humanely in accordance with established standards,” the statement read.
The reassurance comes amid heightened public scrutiny following revelations that the foreign nationals were allegedly found to be in the country unlawfully, with some reportedly linked to suspected illicit activities.
Coverage by the Times of Eswatini highlighted that the arrests formed part of an intensified crackdown by law enforcement agencies on illegal operations.
Correctional Services further underscored the importance of collaboration in ensuring the smooth administration of justice.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
More foreigners were taken in on Monday during a raid at Madlenya House, where Xwin is housed. (Pic: Mnelisi Dlamini)