SA to Repatriate 5-Year-Old Child Born in Mauritian Prison

The South African Department of Social Development will travel to Mauritius on December 9, 2024, to bring home a 5-year-old girl born to a South African mother imprisoned for drug trafficking. The team is set to return on December 13, 2024.

Background

The child, born in May 2019 while her mother was incarcerated, has lived in the prison since birth. Concerns were raised that if the child remains in Mauritius, she could be placed in the country’s welfare system, complicating future reunification with her South African family.

Grandmother to Provide Care

After an assessment, the child’s grandmother in the North West province was deemed a suitable guardian and has agreed to care for her. Upon arrival in South Africa, the girl will transition into her grandmother’s care and receive counselling to support her adjustment and separation from her mother.

Legal and Humanitarian Responsibility

The repatriation is part of the Department of Social Development’s obligations under South Africa’s Children’s Act, which mandates assistance for children in distress abroad.

Previous Repatriations

Since 2015, 22 South African children have been brought back from other countries through similar operations, reinforcing the department’s commitment to reuniting families and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.

Concerns for Prison-Born Children

Mauritian women’s prisons are not equipped to provide safe, nurturing environments for children, which can impact their mental and emotional well-being. By bringing the child home, South Africa aims to provide her with a stable upbringing in a family setting, prioritizing her best interests and long-term development.