MORE THAN 8 000 FOREIGNERS IN SA PRISONS

According to the Minister of Correctional Service, Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula, there are 8 580 foreigners being held in South African jails (see here). Of these 4 868 have already been sentenced and 3 712 are awaiting trial prisoners. She replied to a question of Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus in Parliament. The majority are Zimbabweans (3 712) and Mozambicans (2 337). Foreigners from Africa form the vast majority of these prisoners with 8 011 from 36 African countries.

"The figures prove that border control, with especially Zimbabwe and Mozambique is failing and that taxpayers have to foot the bill for the keep of foreign criminals. Attention should immediately be given to the awaiting trial prisoners. At a cost of at least R150 per day, these foreign prisoners cost South Africa R470 million (R 469 755 000) per annum. With improved border control millions of rand could be saved," Pieter Groenewald (MP), the chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus says.

According to Groenewald a similar question was asked of the Minister of Police earlier this year to determine how many foreigners are involved in crime. The Minister replied that the statistics are not kept by the Police. Prisoners from 99 countries are currently in South African prisons. There are seven prisoners each from the USA and Britain .

Statement issued by Mr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Spokesperson: Police, October 11 2010

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