South African Government review of its Policy on South African Detainees in foreign Countries, such as Mauritius where there are allegations of Human Rights violations with their Jails

QUOTE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 4

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 OF 19 FEBRUARY 2010

Mr. J J GUNDA (ID-NC) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

1. Whether the government is going to review its policy on South African detainees in foreign countries, such as Mauritius where there are allegations of human rights violations with their jails; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details;
   

2. With reference to the media reports (details furnished) why was a certain person (name furnished) standing trial in South Africa when the South Africans who are held in Mauritian prisons stand trial in Mauritius;
   

3. Whether this procedure is inconsistent; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

 REPLY:

1. No
   
   

   Government will not change its existing policy with regard to South African prisoners arrested abroad and serving their prison sentences in the country of arrest.

   Where there were allegations of human rights violations, these allegations were pursued with the local authorities and dealt with appropriately.
   

2. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has no knowledge of Mmatshuma Matlhara. 
   
   
3. As the Minister is unaware of the details of this case, the Minister is unable to comment.  However, it must be noted that consular assistance is rendered in terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 to South African citizens abroad who seek such assistance.  The Department’s mandate does not extend to either criminal investigations or judicial enquiries.

    UNQUOTE