These were the words of some foreign nationals arrested for unlawfully entering and remaining in Eswatini, as well as working for a gambling business without valid permits.

The foreign nationals, who originated from countries including Mainland China, the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam, were among those arrested during a police raid at Woodlands and Madlenya House following reports of continued illegal gambling activities in the country.

Their arrest came a few days after 88 foreign nationals were detained at Castle Hotel in Thembelihle, Mbabane. Those arrested at Castle Hotel were from various countries, including Brazil, Taiwan, Mainland China, Myanmar and other overseas nations.

The 20 foreign nationals had been in custody since their arrest on March 20, 2026. They expressed relief and happiness after Mbabane Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi sentenced them to six months imprisonment, with an option to pay a E500 fine for each of the two counts.

The court’s sentencing was guided by the relevant provisions of the law Initially, the foreign nationals shed tears, prompting Nhlabatsi to ask whether they wished to say anything during the proceedings. However, wiping tears from their eyes, they explained that they were not crying but expressing their joy.

Mitigating on behalf of her clients, defense attorney Noncedo Ndlangamandla pleaded for leniency. She told the court that her clients had shown remorse since their arrest and urged the court to consider imposing a fine, particularly because the Crown had confirmed that they had no previous convictions.

“My clients have instructed me to extend their heartfelt apologies to the court, the country authorities, His Majesty’s Correctional Services and other stakeholders affected by their actions. They have also expressed that they have learn their lesson during their four months of incarceration,” she stated.

The Crown, however, applied for the foreign nationals to remain in custody pending their repatriation, in accordance with Section 8(8) of the Immigration Act of 1982.

The provision states that where a person is charged with unlawfully entering or remaining in Eswatini and an application has been made, or is about to be made, to the minister for an order under the section, the court may order that the person be detained in prison or police custody for a period not exceeding 14 days pending the minister’s decision.

Ndlangamandla further informed the court that her clients were prepared to purchase their own flight tickets with assistance from their families. She said she was in regular communication with their families regarding arrangements for the tickets.

The foreign nationals again showed signs of happiness after being informed that their continued detention was temporary and would only last until their repatriation. They repeatedly said “siyabonga” (thank you), smiling as Nhlabatsi explained the provisions of Section 8(8) of the Immigration Act.

Nhlabatsi explained that remaining in custody would provide protection while they awaited repatriation. She added that staying in prison would also prevent them from being exposed to situations that could lead them to commit similar offenses after their release.

The foreign nationals nodded in agreement and continued repeating “siyabonga” as a sign of gratitude. They also asked the court to order the release of their belongings. However, they were advised to raise the matter with their defense counsel. It was later confirmed that an application seeking the release of gadgets confiscated during their arrest was still pending before the court.