HIS Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has turned to prayer and spiritual reflection as the institution grapples with a troubling rise in suicide cases among its officers.
The concern came into sharp focus following the reported death of a sergeant attached to the Royal Guard, who allegedly took his own life by shooting himself at his residence at Sidvokodvo last week Wednesday.
The latest incident brings the number of reported suicide cases involving HMCS officers in recent months to four. The sergeant is said to have been alone at his home when the incident occurred. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the possible motive, could not be ascertained.
Following the incidents, HMCS Commissioner General Phindile LaMakhosini Dlamini called the institution to prayer in an effort to provide spiritual support, reflection and hope to officers facing the pressures of correctional work.
The prayer service was held on Wednesday at the Correctional Staff College in Matsapha, bringing together members of the HMCS executive, senior officers, officers from stations across the country and invited pastors.
More than a routine gathering, the service became a solemn moment of healing and spiritual renewal as officers were encouraged to confront the emotional burdens that can come with wearing the uniform.
The gathering acknowledged the immense pressures associated with correctional work, while recognising that some officers may be struggling silently.
The institution emphasised that prayer was not being presented as a substitute for professional mental-health support, but as an additional source of faith, strength, connection and hope.
For several hours, the demands of the uniform gave way to worship and reflection, with officers joining together in prayer.
In his welcoming remarks, Deputy Commandant-Senior Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Dlamini described the gathering as a significant intervention, saying it provided an opportunity to pause and restore the “inner person”.
Speaking on behalf of the commissioner general, Deputy Commissioner General Bongani Khumalo commended Dlamini for initiating the service, amid growing concerns over suicide and emotional distress among officers.
Khumalo delivered a message centred on mental health and urged officers to abandon the culture of suffering in silence. He reminded them that asking for help should not be viewed as a sign of weakness.
“We should not try to be strong all the time. It is okay not to be okay. Let us reach out to someone when we are going through a lot,” he said.
Drawing from John 3:1–6 and 20, Khumalo also shared a message of faith before blessing the congregation.
The main sermon was delivered by Apostle M. Khoza, who drew from 2 Chronicles 20, encouraging officers to put their trust in God when faced with battles that appear overwhelming.
The atmosphere grew more intense when Reverend Themba Hlatjwako led the congregation in fervent prayer.
In another significant moment, prayer warriors were ordained to continue interceding for HMCS and its officers beyond the service.
The service ended with Prophetess Lindiwe Maphalala offering a special prayer for the recovery and protection of Commissioner General Dlamini, asking God to strengthen and sustain her.
The latest suicide follows three other reported cases involving HMCS officers. These include a 43-year-old officer of Ludzeludze, a 33-year-old officer of Mhlosheni, who was stationed at Vulamasango and another officer of Malindza.
The four cases have cast a sombre shadow over an institution whose officers routinely work in high-pressure environments while caring for and supervising people in custody.
