Government 'concerned' as more than 800 South Africans serve time in foreign prisons
14 December
More than 800 – that is the number of South Africans being held in prisons abroad for a variety of crimes and administrative blunders.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said the South African government was "concerned" about the growing number of South Africans detained abroad.
"More than 800 South Africans are in prisons across the world for visa-related violations, drug-related charges, as well as various other offences.
"As we approach the festive season, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has expressed serious concern about South Africans being arrested or detained across the world as a result of these offences."