Pretoria - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says government has taken note of media reports alleging that South African female prisoners in Mozambique are subjected to sexual abuse and related hardships.
“The South African government views these allegations in a serious light. The matter will be brought to the attention of the Mozambican authorities for further investigation,” DIRCO said in a statement.
Officials from the South African High Commission in Maputo make regular visits to prisons in Mozambique to monitor the conditions of South African inmates.
“During the last visit, the prisoners complained about general prison conditions, such as poor medical treatment and food. Our information is that these conditions apply to all prisoners and are not exclusive to South African prisoners,” DIRCO said.
The department said government would continue to give regular consular services to the prisoners and their families, part of which is to ensure that their basic human rights are respected.
The South African High Commission in Maputo will monitor the progress of the envisaged investigation until the matter is brought to its logical conclusion. – SAnews.gov.za
