His Majesty’s Correctional Services stepped out of its facilities on Saturday to confront the growing threat of gangsterism during an Easter convention at Divine Healing Ministries International in Manzini.
The outreach formed part of the church’s ongoing Easter services and drew congregants from across Eswatini, including visitors from neighbouring South Africa. The session focused on young people and parents, as concerns mount over the impact of gang activity on families and communities.
The delegation from HMCS was led by Acting Public Relations Officer Baphelele Kunene. He was accompanied by officers Mfundo Dlamini, Luvuyo Dlamini and Sanele Simelane. 
Addressing the packed congregation, the team delivered a frank presentation on the realities of gangsterism, its root causes and the long term consequences for those who become involved. Parents and communities were urged to take an active role in early intervention and prevention to shield young people from criminal networks.
The atmosphere shifted as parents reacted emotionally to testimonies and insights shared during the session. Some congregants were visibly moved and later sought spiritual guidance, reflecting the anxiety many families face as they try to protect their children.
The programme ended with a prayer session where congregants joined in seeking divine intervention for families, young people and national security institutions. Special prayers were offered for His Majesty’s Correctional Services and the Royal Eswatini Police Service in recognition of their responsibility to maintain law and order.
HMCS described the engagement as part of its continued community outreach aimed at raising awareness and strengthening partnerships in the fight against crime. The presence of international church members also pointed to the wider reach of the problem, as gangsterism continues to affect communities beyond Eswatini’s borders.
In his introductory remarks, the Acting PRO firstly thanked the Divine Healing Ministries for extending such an invite to the department. Kunene said Saturday’s engagement was more than an event. It was a call to action. A reminder that when institutions, families and faith come together, transformation is not only possible but also inevitable. He said the reason the Commissioner General ensured that the invitation was honoured was mainly because churches were the pillar of our societies and any collaboration between the Correctional Services and the church would always be prioritized.
On the other hand, Divine Healing Ministries’ Bishop Zanele Shongwe expressed utmost appreciation to the Commissioner General for availing a delegation to address congregants on the issue of gangsterism.
Bishop Shongwe described the gesture as timely and impactful, noting that the presence of HMCS at the convention demonstrated strong leadership and a genuine commitment to community engagement and youth development.
She further commended the Commissioner General for prioritising preventative initiatives beyond correctional facilities, saying the message delivered brought awareness, healing and hope to both parents and young people.
