HMCS use horses to curb prison breaks

- The usefulness of horses has also attracted security agencies in the country.

MBABANE

They use it to beef up security. One of such agencies is His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS). The HMCS has a fully fledged Horse Unit whereby these animals are used to guard against prison breaks and escapes.

According to the HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Baphelele Kunene, the security agency introduced horses as a measure to enhance security through patrols and surveillance. This has been happening since 2010.

Kunene said several officers were taken for training on basic horse grooming and other series of courses which were held both locally and in Zimbabwe. “In the department, they (horses) directly fall under the Livestock Section which is a unit administered by a team of professionals and relevant officers,” Kunene said.

“The introduction of horses into the services has over the years yielded positive results as the department has been able to minimise the number of escapes especially by outside working parties (Offenders who work outside prison).”

He said HMCS officers gained advantage on horseback because they were able to see and be seen from afar, which is ideal for prevention. “On horseback, the gaits can adapt to the needs of the intervention, meaning that the officers are able to stay in step, for surveillance and he can gallop when necessary, to get to an area quickly when a problem arises,” he said.

Wellbeing

Kunene said the horse department kept about 22 horses. He emphasised that the need for the well-being of horses was equally important. “Officers responsible for the animals have the responsibility to ensure the horses are happy and healthy. That includes keeping them safe from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

“It is for this reason that the veterinary office works closely with other veterinary establishments in the country to facilitate the vaccination of these stallions to prevent dieses. As a department, we only use medicines and feed additives recommended to our horses by experts, as they can be dangerous if given to the wrong animal,” Kunene said.

Kunene did not also rule out the potential for horse market in the country. However he said the HCMS was not looking to buy any further horses but was managing the herd it currently has.

“While there could be a possible market for horses out there, as a department, we are not in a position to purchase any further horses. In fact we are currently managing the ones we have while also ensuring that they do not breed uncontrollably. As a result, all the male horses were castrated,” he said.