Namibia Waits for SA Prisoner Transfer Law
Namibia and South Africa have signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of sentenced prisoners between the two nations. The process is currently stalled, however, as South Africa requires new domestic legislation, which is expected to be finalized by mid-2027.
Why it matters
This agreement represents a significant step in regional legal cooperation and correctional policy between two African nations.
Namibia is waiting for South Africa to pass crucial enabling legislation, expected by mid-2027, to facilitate the mutual transfer of sentenced prisoners between the two countries.
Commissioner general of the Namibian Correctional Service Raphael Hamunyela on Sunday said Namibia has finalised the agreement and is waiting for South Africa (SA) to pass the law.
"South Africa currently does not have a law to transfer inmates to Namibia, and they cannot enter into such an agreement yet. They first need to have a law in their country for the transfer of sentenced offenders between two countries to happen.
"In Namibia, we have already finalised the decision, but for this transfer to work, South Africa should have a domestic law that will allow both countries to transfer sentenced offenders," he said.
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