As part of his birthday celebration, His Majesty King Mswati  III has given a Royal Pardon to inmates with less than 6 months on their sentences, suffering from chronic or terminal illness and those above the age of 70.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs during a press briefing that was held at her Ministry on Sunday, a day before the King’s Birthday.

Shakantu announced that inmates that will be released are those who at the time of the announcement had a remaining 6 months or less on their sentences.

The Minister also announced that 6 months will be reduced for inmates that had more than six months remaining on their sentences at the time of the announcement.

Shakantu explained that the Royal Pardon excludes inmates on capital punishment, inmates whose capital punishment’s was commuted to a custodial sentence, awaiting trial inmates on the date of the announcement.

Other inmates that have been given the royal pardon are mentally challenged inmates convicted at the King’s Pleasure who have fully recovered and those suffering from chronic or terminal illness or those above the age of seventy (70) years, save for inmates on capital punishment or inmates whose capital punishment was commuted to a custodial sentence.