The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services says the large number of foreign nationals in South Africa's prisons remains a significant concern and has called for measures to accelerate their repatriation.
According to the Department of Correctional Services, there are currently 27,880 foreign nationals being held in South African correctional facilities. Of these, 14,614 are awaiting trial, while 13,266 are serving prison sentences.
Portfolio Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng said strengthening bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries and expediting legislative reforms could help reduce pressure on the country's overcrowded prison system.
Ramolobeng said expanding prisoner transfer agreements across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) would enable sentenced foreign nationals to complete their prison terms in their countries of origin.
"If that can be spread or outlined throughout SADC countries, it will yield positive results of having all those who are already sentenced being sent to their countries of origin to finish their sentences," she said.
However, Ramolobeng noted that proposed legislative amendments are still pending. Under the current legal framework, foreign nationals sentenced in South Africa are generally required to remain in the country until they have completed their prison terms.
She said amendments to the relevant legislation could provide greater flexibility for the transfer of sentenced offenders where bilateral agreements exist.
Ramolobeng also highlighted South Africa's recently signed prisoner transfer agreement with Botswana, saying it provides a framework for convicted offenders to be repatriated and serve the remainder of their sentences in their home country.
She expressed hope that similar agreements with other SADC member states would help ease overcrowding in correctional facilities while strengthening regional cooperation on criminal justice matters.