SA Raises Concern Over Arrival of ‘Dangerous Criminals’ to Eswatini

Pretoria: The government has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini over the arrival of dangerous criminals to that landlocked country and the impact it would have on South Africa's national security. According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa expressed its concerns following confirmation by the acting spokesperson of the Government, Mrs. Thabile Mdluli, that a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini. These individuals were transported from the United States of America on a special flight, with the potential of more criminals of this profile to follow, as stated by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The department revealed that the arrival of this group was accompanied by a notification from the United States Department of Homeland Security. This group, consisting of individuals from several countries, includes some who have been convicted of serious offenses and crimes. These individuals have been deported from the United States and have now arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Reports indicate that these criminals were deported to Eswatini after attempts to send the men back to their own countries, including Laos, Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam, and Yemen, were rejected. DIRCO, representing the Government of the Republic of South Africa, noted a statement wherein Eswatini and the United States indicated their collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin. However, DIRCO also observed that these countries are unlikely to receive the deportees, according to the statement. While respecting the decision of the Government of Eswatini, South Africa expressed deep concern about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa's national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries.