A FAREWELL TO THE LITTLE PRINCESS: EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AS FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL LEAVES BEAU BISSAN PRISON

The teacher shows to South African officials some of the activities the little princess participated in during her time at school, showcasing her growth and development

By Precious Mupenzi

•  For the little princess leaving her prison life in Mauritius behind as the process of her repatriation to South Africa speeds up, her next steps on her life journey are ones of mixed emotions. As she says farewell to her mother, who is in the Beau Bissan Prison awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges, she is also preparing to discover an extended family waiting for her in South Africa.
• Prison officials, teachers, caregivers, and even the prison inmates in Mauritius spoke of the impact the young girl had on their lives. “It’s not just the prison staff who feel this loss – everyone, from the teachers to the children, has watched her blossom into a smart, independent, and incredibly sweet child,” says welfare officer Carina Ramdoo.
• As the car left the prison, the little princess waved goodbye, her innocent smile one last image for the prison community to hold on to.

Today, the halls of Beau Bissan Prison in Mauritius were filled with a mix of emotions as the prison community gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to a beloved little girl – affectionately known as the “little princess.”

The five -year-old, who has spent much of her young life within the prison walls, was handed over to South African government officials, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in her life.

For those who have watched her grow over the past five years, her departure was bittersweet. Prison officials, teachers, caregivers, and even the inmates all spoke of the profound impact the young girl had on their lives.

“She’s been our little angel, and everyone here will miss her dearly,” said Carina Ramdoo, the Welfare Officer at Beau Bissan Prison. “It’s not just the prison staff who feel this loss – everyone, from the teachers to the children, has watched her blossom into a smart, independent, and incredibly sweet child.”

A visit to the early childhood care centres

Before her emotional departure, South African officials were given a tour of the two early childhood care centres that the girl had attended over the years.

The first stop was a government-run care centre, less than five kilometres away from the prison. It was here that she was first enrolled at the age of three.

Despite the unusual circumstances of her upbringing, the little girl attended school like any other child. Every day, she was shuttled to school by plain-clothed prison warders, alternating in shifts for security purposes. To the outside world, she was just like any other child walking to class.

The staff at the care centre, especially the teacher assistant was visibly emotional. “I’m crying because I’m so sad to see her go,” said the teacher. “She’s been with us for three years, and we’ve really bonded. I know she’ll be fine in South Africa, but it will be so hard to come back to school in 2025 without her. Her hugs every morning were so special.”

Out of the 17 children at the centre, two came from the correctional facility, but for the teachers, it didn’t matter – children are children, and the little princess had woven herself into the fabric of the school.

At the prison’s day-care centre, where the girl spent her time after school and where she had been cared for since she was younger than three, the bond was equally strong.

The day-care teacher spoke with deep emotion, recalling how the little girl had become an integral part of their daily lives. “She was so independent, so smart, always eager to help others,” the teacher said, wiping away tears. “She was always there with a helping hand, whether it was assisting her peers or lending a hand to me. She’s been with us for five years, and it feels like we’re losing a family member.”

A difficult, poignant moment of farewell

The young girl’s departure also marked a poignant moment of closure for her mother, who has watched her daughter grow under the watchful eyes of prison officials and caregivers.

As the officials packed her belongings, a bag filled with Christmas gifts marked with the little girl’s name stood out – a symbol of the love and care she received from everyone around her.

The mother, overwhelmed with emotion, cried as her daughter was taken by the officials to the waiting car. The prison staff, inmates, and caregivers offered comfort, standing in solidarity with the mother in her moment of farewell.

As the car drove away, the little princess waved goodbye, her innocent smile one last image for the prison community to hold on to.

She came carrying her beloved Dora the Explorer bag, her hair neatly done and protected by a cap to shield her from the blazing hot weather. Notably, one of her belongings was an umbrella, a gift from her mother who mentioned how much the little girl adored it.

For the staff and children who had known her, it was more than just a goodbye, it was the end of an era. “Her presence will be missed,” one inmate said quietly. “But we are happy for her. She’s going to a better place now.”

As the officials prepared for the final farewell, her mother, trying to control her emotions, jokingly told the Department of Social Development officials: “Please get her a Sprite and some chocolate, and you’ll land in South Africa without any problems – she loves it.” The warmth and love between mother and child were evident, even in the midst of the emotional goodbye.

As the Beau Bissan Prison community reflected on the life of the young girl, the collective feeling was one of joy for the future she now faces, but sadness for the absence of a little girl who had touched the hearts of so many.

As she embarks on a new journey of uniting with her granny and siblings in South Africa, the people at Beau Bissan prison will carry the memory of their little princess with them, forever grateful for the time they spent watching her grow.