Status on the Eight South African Women who are being held in Custody in Mauritius

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 539

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 OF JUNE 2006

DR SM VAN DYK (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether the Government has been informed about the fate of eighth South African women who are being held in custody in Mauritius; if so,

(2) whether the Government is liaising on the matter with the Mauritian authorities ; if not, why not ; if so,

(3) whether it is being negotiated that the women be provided with beds, linen, clean clothes and bathroom facilities; if not, why not; if so, (a) with regard to what facilities was assurance received from the Mauritian authorities and (b) what progress has been made by the Government to expedite the women's hearing;

(4) whether the South African representatives last paid a visit to the women five months ago; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? N613E

REPLY:

(1) Yes.

There are currently thirteen South African women in custody and one out on bail, that is a total of 14 South African women. The aforementioned are held on charges of drug smuggling or trafficking.

(2) Yes.

The South African High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius remains in constant contact with the relevant Mauritius authorities regarding all matters pertaining to South African detainees and prisoners.

(3) (a) No.

According to departmental policy, prisoners are advised that our Missions do not negotiate better conditions for South Africans that is different from conditions available to local prisoners. Concerns raised by South African prisoners incarcerated in Mauritius were discussed with the relevant authorities.

(b) The South African High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius, adhering to the principle of non-interference in the judicial process of a sovereign state, remains in constant liaison with the relevant Mauritius authorities to expedite the hearings.

(4) The South African High Commission's most recent visit to South African detainees and prisoners was on 3 May 2006.