FROM PRISON TO REUNIFICATION: SA MOTHER’S EMOTIONAL JOURNEY WITH HER CHILD

By Precious Mupenzi

• A mother incarcerated in a Mauritian prison facing charges of drug trafficking is preparing to say farewell to her young daughter who is being repatriated to South Africa.
• When she found out she was pregnant while in detention, the mother found a new purpose in life – to focus on the well-being of her child.
• The woman has a message for others who may be tempted to traffic drugs for a fast payout: “Don’t put money first and forget about your dreams and your future.”

In a moment of emotional significance, a South African mother of three, who has been incarcerated in Mauritius since 2019, shared her heart-wrenching story on International Human Rights Day.

Her youngest child, a five-year-old girl, has been living with her in prison since her birth.

Now, as per Mauritian law, the time has come for the child to be moved out of the correctional facility, as children are only allowed to stay with their mothers in prison until the age of five.

South Africa’s Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the South African diplomatic mission in Mauritius, is working to repatriate the child safely to be united with her extended family in South Africa. The emotional bonding comes after years of legal complexities, highlighting the challenges faced by both mother and child during this difficult journey.

Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its picturesque beaches and booming tourism industry. However, like many countries worldwide, it is not immune to the social ills of poverty, unemployment, and drug trafficking that can lead vulnerable individuals into desperate situations.

For many South Africans, the lure of quick money and the promise of a better life can seem irresistible, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

One such individual is 39-year-old mother, whose child is now being repatriated. She spoke candidly about the circumstances that led her to fall prey to a dangerous and illegal drug trafficking operation. The mother to two children at that time was struggling to make ends meet when she met a Nigerian who promised her a life of luxury, an offer she could not resist.

“I loved money and the soft life,” she confessed in an emotional interview. “That was my downfall. I wanted more to feed my two children. I did not appreciate the job I had, and I thought that if I could just get some quick money, I could give my kids a better life.” 

Misplaced trust

Her desperation led her to trust a man she met at a local salon, who later introduced her to his friend involved in a drug trafficking ring.

With the promise of large sums of money, she agreed to transport drugs from South Africa to Mauritius. She was instructed to swallow the drugs and drink a chemical liquid to conceal them until her arrival at the hotel. Her plans, however, were foiled when she was apprehended by immigration officers at Mauritius’ airport.

It was during her brief detention at the police station that she discovered she was pregnant with her third child. The news of her pregnancy, mixed with the grief of being imprisoned in a foreign country, changed her perspective on life.

“My child gave me a new purpose,” she explained, a smile in her eyes. “I named her to remind myself of my purpose in life.”

As she prepares to say goodbye to her daughter, she is torn between relief for her child’s future and the pain of separation. “I am trying to stay strong,” she said. “I want to give her the excitement and trust she deserves. But when she leaves, I will cry a lot. Separation is not easy. We have been together for five years.”

Preparing for the next step

Department of Social Development officials, led by South African High Commission representatives at the prison, were on hand to facilitate the process, ensuring that the little girl would be reunited with her extended family in South Africa.

The warm, emotional atmosphere was palpable as a mother packed her daughter’s belongings, carefully placing her school reports and birth certificates in the luggage and signing documents. The bond between mother and child was evident in every interaction, with the young girl displaying a natural sociability, likely nurtured by her time spent in the prison’s day-care programme.

Speaking to department officials, the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons in Mauritius, Aubeeluck Gunneete, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the visit by the Department of Social Development to the correctional facility on International Human Rights Day coincided with a visit by judge and chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in Mauritius, Seetulsingh Dhirang.

“This is a crucial moment for both the mother and the child. We recognise the importance of human rights and the need to prioritise the well-being of children, even in situations such as these.

“The work being done today reflects our commitment to ensuring that children’s rights are upheld, especially when they find themselves in difficult circumstances like this,” she stated.

A senior prison official also praised South Africa for its efforts to prioritise the child’s welfare. “We do everything possible to ensure that children in prison have a safe environment and are able to grow despite their circumstances. We are very proud of this mother and her courage,” she concluded

The mother’s story serves as a stark warning to others, particularly young girls who may be lured by the false promises of quick wealth.

A former Grade 11 learner, the mother urged other women to think carefully before falling into the trap of trafficking. “Don’t put money first and forget about your dreams and your future,” she cautioned.

“Governments need to create more opportunities for young girls, so they don’t feel they have to resort to shortcuts like this. The temptation is easy, but it’s not worth the cost.”