I had thought that the issue of the criminal deportees or migrants who were shipped into Eswatini from the United States of America a few weeks ago had been put to rest, but it seems I was wrong.
Last week, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa raised concerns with the country following confirmation that a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini on a special flight.
DIRCO further stated that the criminals’ arrival was also followed by an announcement from the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating that the group of individuals from several countries and some of whom have been convicted of serious offences and crimes, had been deported.
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“DIRCO, on behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa, noted the aforementioned statement wherein Eswatini and the USA indicated that they would collaborate with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin. DIRCO also noted that the countries of origin of these deportees are unlikely to receive them,” DIRCO wrote.
They further stated that while respecting the sovereign decision of the government of Eswatini, the government of South Africa was deeply concerned about the profile of the individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries.
I may not have a masters or PhD in international relations, but I honestly cannot see the risk posed on South Africa by these five if they are safely kept under maximum lock and key at the Correctional Services facility. I do not want to even hate on South Africa, but most days in the newsroom we have access to e NCA news channel where hour after hour there are shocking reports of nasty criminal activities in South Africa.
A few months ago there were reports of a mass shooting where about 16 people were shot and killed at a place called Lusikisini.
Although some of the suspects were arrested there has been no feedback on how this matter is proceeding, what happens if they could escape from jail.
Just last week in Pretoria, the news channels reported that five bodies of women were found and they suspected that there is a serial killer on the loose. As a result, I am concerned that the department is too concentrated on what we are doing.
It has been over a year since we have had suspects held for them (South Africans) to be deported back into South Africa for their alleged involvement in the matter of the murder of popular rap artist Kiernan AKA Forbes and his chef friend Tibz.
As the law states that they are innocent until proven guilty, our neighbours have asked us to keep the suspects on our shores and they have clearly showed trust in our correctional services because as far as I know, they have not pushed for the matter to be expedited immediately.
Actually just last week, a man who allegedly shot and killed two police officers in South Africa escaped while being transferred to the Magistrate’s Court and there is still a police hunt out for him.
It really is tough to watch all these people.
I did mention this in a previous column that Emaswati, myself included, we have too many problems to pay attention to these convicts.
There is the case of constantly having bills to pay. A few of us look forward to month end because it automatically translates to bills having been paid and it is one deduction after another.
Just last week we reported that over 13 Emaswati had committed suicide, a majority of who according to the relatives were financially related. There is a high level of unemployment in the country especially graduates, so in my opinion we have bigger problems than to worry about five men who are kept behind bars.
The only instance I can put blame on government is the lack of communication on their part. Government is instead reactive instead of flooding us with the press releases later once a certain party has complained.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu following the DIRCO press statement was then quick to respond to tell us they were facilitating the transfer of these criminals to their respective countries.
Again, this begs the question madam minister, how long will these processes take? Do give us timelines, is it a week, a month, six months or God forbid a year.
I am sure it was all written down in some tucked away memorandum of agreement so that the matter can be put to rest.
I would personally like a national survey on what people really think about these deportees. The ordinary people on the street , not those who have access to social media with their fake accounts to rent.
I am open to anyone willing to school me on this issue, but for now its water on a ducks’ back.
Do not forget to be kind.
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