The number of Zimbabweans and Mozambicans being held in South African jails proves border control is failing, the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) said on Monday.
Of 8 580 foreigners held in local prisons, 3 712 were Zimbabwean and 2 337 Mozambican nationals, FF+ MP Pieter Groenewald said in a statement.
The figures were contained in a written reply by Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to a parliamentary question.
“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 [R469 755 000] per annum. With improved border control, millions of rand could be saved,” Groenewald said.
According to the minister’s reply, foreigners from 99 countries are imprisoned in South Africa. By far the majority come from Southern African countries. — Sapa