“The release of Zimbabwean prisoners eligible for parole is within the interests of justice and would save taxpayer money,” say Zepha’s attorneys.
“Our instructions are to request that your respective departments work with the Zimbabwean Embassy in processing Zimbabwean prisoners in South Africa eligible for parole to be released and repatriated to Zimbabwe.”
Advocate Simba Chitando, who is also representing ZEP holders said, among the reasons for launching the campaign to repatriate Zimbabwean prisoners is “widespread institutionalised xenophobia.”
“As inmates they are especially vulnerable to cruel and degrading treatment because of their nationality.
“They’ve had their goods stolen, been denied meals, refused blankets, and are regularly assaulted by both prison officials and South African inmates.
“In one specific case a Zimbabwean inmate who has served six years in prison for stealing a cellphone, who would be out on parole if he was South African, has never met his child born just after he was arrested.”
Meanwhile, more than 178,000 ZEP holders are awaiting for the outcome of their visa and waiver applications following the termination of the special program. They have less than two months before their documentation to live and work in South Africa expires.
Earlier this month, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said a Technical Committee on the Return of Zimbabwean Nationals, which was set up by Cabinet, had designed a comprehensive Repatriation and Reintegration Plan comprising three elements, namely: the Pre-Arrival; Arrival; and Post-Arrival stages.
“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the Second Republic has elaborate plans to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens who face an uncertain future in foreign lands and are desirous to return to their motherland.
“As the situation stands, more than 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals will require assistance, since they will be regarded as illegal immigrants in South Africa after 30 June, 2023,” she said.
“Under the Plan, facilities at the Beitbridge and Plumtree border posts have already been inspected in order to ensure preparedness for the impending repatriation task.
“The physical mapping exercise which the Technical Committee conducted in South Africa reached out to nearly 10 000 Zimbabwean nationals across the nine provinces of South Africa. The Technical Committee assisted those in need of identity and related documents,” she added.
Source: Nehanda Radio
In other news-South Carolina approves six-week abortion ban for most women
Legislators in the US state of South Carolina have passed a bill that would ban nearly all abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy – before most women know they are pregnant.
The bill is expected to be signed into law by the state’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster.
But it will now face legal challenges.
The majority of southern US states have curtailed abortion rights since the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion last year. Learn more
