Deported US convicts in eSwatini spark concern over South Africa spillover

THE UNITED States’ controversial decision to offload five convicted foreign criminals to the Kingdom of eSwatini has ignited regional concern, with analysts warning that South Africa could become the next destination for the released offenders.

IOL recently reported that the men – illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba – were convicted of serious crimes in the US, including child rape, murder and gang-related offences. Their home countries had refused to accept them, prompting the US to relocate them to eSwatini, a move that has stirred public anger and political backlash in the small landlocked nation.

While the transfer initially raised human rights concerns in eSwatini, the regional implications are now in sharper focus – especially in South Africa, whose porous borders and relatively larger economy may prove attractive to individuals with few legal options.

Bheki Makhubu, editor of The Nation magazine in eSwatini, told IOL that the public feels blindsided: “Essentially, emaSwati feel they were betrayed by the leadership of eSwatini. This move came as a complete surprise and seems to have been arranged and known by only a select few people. This deal feels like an invasion of our country by the US. We feel our leaders have sold our country to Trump behind our backs.”

“This country is nobody’s personal property and therefore we’re upset and most importantly, afraid,” he continued. “There’s a fear that if this is allowed to continue, and it looks like more prisoners are coming, one day we will wake up and find that we’ve been annexed by another country behind our backs.”

Makhubu further warned that once released, the men may look beyond eSwatini’s limited opportunities. “Our economy is very small, I doubt they’ll want to stick around once free. The next best place to go is South Africa. Remember, South Africa is the gateway to the rest of the world and the economy is large enough for them to try and make a living there. So they could also seek to make your country home,” he said.

The eSwatini government confirmed the arrival of the five men in its correctional facilities. “Indeed, five inmates are currently housed in our correctional facilities in isolated units, where similar offenders are kept,” government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said. “The government acknowledges the widespread concern regarding the deportation of third-country prisoners from the US into eSwatini.”

It's been reported that eSwatini authorities have not ruled out accepting more such deportees. Mdluli added that further transfers would depend on capacity and ongoing discussions with the US. She also confirmed there were no firm timelines for repatriating the prisoners, as this would require co-operation from their countries of origin.

The deal has drawn criticism from multiple civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who have questioned its legality, transparency, and long-term consequences for both eSwatini and the broader Southern African region.