Zimbabwean prisoners in South Africa could soon serve time back home

· The South African

Zimbabweans serving prison sentences in South Africa could have the option of serving their time closer to their families under a new agreement being pursued by the two neighbouring countries.

Minister pf Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Zimbabwe Ziyambi Ziyambi and South Africa’s Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ correctional authorities.

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One of the most significant parts of the proposed agreement is the transfer of sentenced offenders between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

This could mean Zimbabwean prisoners serving sentences in South Africa may eventually be transferred to Zimbabwe, while South African offenders incarcerated in Zimbabwe could also be moved to their home country.

Zimbabwean prisoners could serve time closer to their families

The proposed prisoner-transfer arrangement is aimed at addressing one of the challenges faced by foreign nationals serving sentences outside their home countries, separation from their families.

South Africa’s Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said research shows that many foreign inmates prefer to serve their sentences in their home countries.

Regular contact with family members can play an important role in rehabilitation and may help reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

For Zimbabweans serving sentences in South Africa, a transfer mechanism could therefore make it easier for relatives to maintain contact with them while they complete their sentences.

However, the proposed MoU does not mean that every Zimbabwean prisoner in South Africa would automatically be transferred to Zimbabwe.

The actual transfer of offenders would be subject to the procedures and conditions agreed between the two countries.

What the Zimbabwe-South Africa agreement will cover

The proposed MoU goes beyond prisoner transfers.

According to the details of the agreement, Zimbabwe and South Africa plan to cooperate in several areas, including information sharing, human-resource development, technical cooperation and exchange visits.

The two countries also intend to share expertise and best practices in the management of correctional facilities.

Another area of cooperation will involve self-sustainability projects in prisons, particularly in agriculture and industry.

The focus is aimed at strengthening rehabilitation while giving inmates opportunities to develop practical skills that could help them after their release.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services already identifies rehabilitation, skills development, economic activities and the reintegration of offenders into society among its key functions.

South Africa and Zimbabwe want to share correctional expertise

The proposed agreement is also expected to create opportunities for officials from both countries to learn from each other.

This could include staff exchanges, official visits, technical cooperation and the sharing of information on correctional management.

South African Police Service National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale also attended the bilateral engagement and emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation between correctional authorities across Africa.

For Zimbabwe and South Africa, the cooperation comes as the two countries continue to strengthen their broader bilateral relationship.

The South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission is scheduled for Friday, 21 August, with President Cyril Ramaphosa hosting President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Pretoria.

The Presidency says the meeting will review existing bilateral commitments and identify opportunities to deepen cooperation, with several agreements and MoUs expected to be signed.

Why the prisoner-transfer agreement matters

For families with relatives imprisoned across the border, the proposed arrangement could have a significant human impact.

A Zimbabwean prisoner serving a sentence in South Africa may currently be hundreds of kilometres from relatives who cannot easily afford frequent travel.

Allowing eligible offenders to serve sentences in their home country could make family contact easier while supporting rehabilitation and eventual reintegration.

At the same time, the agreement would provide a formal framework for South Africa and Zimbabwe to cooperate when dealing with offenders from the other country.

The proposed MoU therefore represents more than cooperation between prison authorities.

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