KING MSWATI UNDER FIRE FOR ALLOWING US TO DUMP DANGEROUS CRIMINALS IN ESWATINI
King Mswati’s regime is under heavy pressure from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) after it emerged that the United States secretly dumped dangerous criminals inside the Kingdom of Eswatini. The controversial move, confirmed by the South African Government through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has sparked fears of regional instability and security threats.
DIRCO released a statement on Monday, quoting International Relations Minister Ronald Lamula’s Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, confirming that South Africa had raised strong concerns with the eSwatini Government. The statement highlighted that “a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini after being transported from the United States of America on a special flight with the potential of more criminals of this profile to follow.”
The criminals, according to the US Department of Homeland Security, had been convicted of serious crimes including child rape, murder, and armed robbery. Their sudden arrival in Eswatini has caused shock and outrage across the region, with South Africa stressing that the deportees’ countries of origin are unlikely to accept them. Instead, Eswatini is being used as a dumping ground under the guise of collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
South Africa’s concern is heightened by its geographical closeness to Eswatini. DIRCO’s statement emphasized that while South Africa respects Eswatini’s sovereignty, it “is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy.” This confirms growing fears that some of these criminals could easily escape across the porous borders and terrorize South African citizens.
At the heart of this scandal is Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, an unelected appointee of King Mswati. Reports suggest that Dlamini secretly signed the agreement allowing the criminals into Eswatini without consulting Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, or even the Attorney General Sifiso “Mashampu” Khumalo. This lack of consultation exposes the undemocratic nature of the absolute monarchy where critical decisions affecting national and regional security are made in secrecy, away from public accountability.
When grilled by Members of Parliament (MPs), Prime Minister Dlamini arrogantly dismissed concerns and declared that “some agreements cannot be subjected to debates by Parliament.” This statement alone reveals the disdain the regime has for democratic processes and the rule of law. In truth, this is not just about foreign criminals being dumped on Eswatini soil; it is also about a government that has completely disregarded its own people and their right to security.
The deal is already creating diplomatic tension between Eswatini and South Africa. Pretoria has made it clear that it will not sit back and watch as dangerous criminals are hosted next door, potentially threatening its own people. For King Mswati, who already faces international criticism for human rights abuses and lack of democracy, this crisis adds another layer of pressure.
The shocking development was first exposed three weeks ago by this publication after sources at King Mswati International Airport revealed that a large aircraft from the United States had landed, releasing dozens of high-profile criminals. The revelation has now been confirmed at the highest level by the South African Government.
The people of Eswatini have not been told why their small and fragile country has been chosen to house some of the world’s most dangerous criminals. Citizens already suffering from poverty, unemployment, and poor healthcare now face the added fear of living among violent offenders imported from the United States. This reckless move by King Mswati’s regime shows once again how the monarchy prioritizes secret deals and survival over the well-being of the nation.
The dumping of dangerous criminals in Eswatini is not only a national disgrace but a serious threat to the whole region. It is a ticking time bomb that could destabilize Southern Africa if urgent action is not taken. King Mswati and his Prime Minister must be held accountable before it is too late.
