The Department of Home Affairs is in the process of deporting three foreign Greenpeace members following a conviction handed down by a duly constituted court of law, co-inciding with the hosting of COP17 in Durban.
This comes within the context of the department’s commitment to, as part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), ensure a safe and secure United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) currently being hosted by South Africa.
The three foreign nationals from Germany, Australia and Denmark respectively were granted visa free entry into South Africa because of bilateral visa waiver agreements between South Africa and their respective countries. Under this exemption the three nationals could enter South Africa without visas for tourism or business purposes.
However, they were earlier today arrested for trespassing on the roof of the Protea Edward Hotel on Durban’s beachfront with the intention of absailing from the roof of the hotel. This contravened the conditions of their visa free entry into the Republic.
A special court was convened before which they pleaded guilty to the charge of trespassing. Accordingly the court found them guilty on charges of trespassing.
Following this conviction the three foreign nationals were taken to a place of detention awaiting arrangements to be finalised by the Department of Home Affairs for their deportation to their countries of origin.
We reiterate government’s commitment to dealing with any persons who may seek to undermine the security and immigration laws of the country, as part of collective efforts within the Cluster to ensuring the successful hosting of COP17.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Department of Home Affairs to deport three foreign nationals
