Port Louis – Mauritius authorities have handed over to their South African counterparts a five-year-old girl, who was born in a prison after her mother was arrested for drug trafficking.
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.
Officials from the SA Department of Social Development on Thursday, (12 December 2024), witnessed the emotional handover.
“It is painful to see her go, but I know it’s for the best, for her future,” said the little girl’s incarcerated mother.
The incarcerated South African woman expressed her regret for placing herself and her daughter in such a difficult position.
She will not be able to see her child in the foreseeable future while her case drags on.
The accused drug trafficker was pregnant when she was arrested in 2019 and is still awaiting trial.
There wasn’t a dry eye when mother and daughter hugged and kissed goodbye.
In a gesture fitting the somber occasion, other incarcerated South African women lined up in a guard of honour for the little girl’s departure.
Department officials said they experienced a bitter-sweet moment when the minor exited the gates of the Beau Bassin Prison, in Mauritius, where her mother was being held.
The officials were sad the child was being separated from her mother, but in the circumstances, they were happy to have completed the mission they travelled for from South Africa.
Earlier in the day, the girl went to say goodbye to her ECD teacher, who expressed her sadness that her bright learner was leaving.
Despite the unusual circumstances of her upbringing, the little girl attended school like any other child.
Every day, she was shuttled to school by ununiformed prison warders, alternating shifts for security purposes.
Yet, to the outside world, she was like any other child walking to class.
“It is sad to see her go, but we are also happy for her and we understand that it is time to let her go so she can grow with her family and in her country,” the teacher said.
The teacher said that the five-year-old was very close to her daughter and occasionally requested to go on play dates with her.
She described the child as independent and mature beyond her age who helped her to pack up things in class and always offered assistance to the teachers.
Officials from the SA Department of Social Development and the child are expected to arrive in South Africa on a flight from Mauritius Friday evening.
On arrival in South Africa, the five-year-old child will be handed over to her grandmother.
“The timing of her repatriation could not be more ideal as it ensures that she will be able to join us as a family and start school without delay,” shared the grandmother.
She added that the arrival of the child was going to be the greatest Christmas present for her and her family.
Mauritius Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Aubeeluck Gunneete said: “It is important that this repatriation process happens now, as it will allow her to reunite with her family and begin her schooling in South Africa just like any other child”.
The girl is now the 25th child repatriated from another country.
South Africa is mandated by Section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 to protect the best interests of the child.
Section 7(1)(f)(ii) of the Act mandates that the Department ensure that a child “maintains a connection with his or her extended family, culture or tradition”.
