Over 4,000 Zimbabweans Held in South African Prisons As Prisoner Transfer Deal Gets Citizens Talking

Published 26 Aug 2026 at 10:36 AM

by Byron Pillay

3 min read

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald revealed how many Zimbabwean nationals were held in South African prisons
The figure was released as South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows for prisoner transfers
South Africans weighed in on the deal, which enables the transfer of sentenced prisoners between the two countries

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South Africans have weighed in on the fact that over 4,000 Zimbabweans are being held in South African prisons, and some could be heading home. Image: Prostock-Studio/ Rodger Bosch
Source: Getty Images

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG - South Africa and Zimbabwe have signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that enables the transfer of sentenced prisoners between the two countries, sparking mixed reactions on social media.

The agreement was formalised in Johannesburg during the Fourth South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission and witnessed by the presidents of both nations.

It was signed by South Africa's Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, and Zimbabwe's Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

Prisoner numbers reveal lopsided burden

Groenewald disclosed a striking disparity at the signing, noting that Zimbabwe currently holds 12 South African nationals in its prisons, while South Africa houses more than 4,000 Zimbabwean nationals in its correctional facilities.

He described the MoU as a breakthrough that could make a meaningful dent in the overcrowding crisis facing the South African prison system.

As of June 2026, South Africa's 243 correctional centres were holding 170,518 inmates in total, of whom 27,906 were foreign nationals.

The Department of Correctional Services spends upwards of R460 per prisoner per day, placing significant financial strain on the state. In the 2024-25 financial year, R76.1 million was spent on court interpreters and translators, with Shona interpreters accounting for R8.7 million — 11.5% of expenditure — making them the most frequently used across five provinces.

What the agreement covers

Under the MoU, eligible sentenced offenders will be permitted to serve the remainder of their terms in their countries of origin. The framework applies mutually, meaning South Africans imprisoned in Zimbabwe may also be repatriated to serve their sentences closer to home.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users weighed in on the news, with many questioning the practicalities of the arrangement.

@Math739821 wrote:

"They will see it as free transportation, get arrested, and go home for free."

@Patrici47761869 said:

"Well done Minister Groenewald and your team. When are they leaving?"

@Mutshedzi commented:

"It's better for them to be released towards the end of their period, or else they will come back via the river."

@HunterMarioM asked:

"But why does our government allow foreign nationals to commit crimes in our country, and after that we must feed them in our prisons with our tax money? This is nonsense."

@Nino_Gaggi_ joked:

"I foresee the Zim prisoners protesting to remain in SA. Zimbabweans hate their country of landowners."

@EzamaCirha added:

"Groeny is the man. Siyabonga tata."

Correction Services pays over R700 for litre of cooking oil

Briefly News reported that Parliament discovered that the Department of Correctional Services spent exorbitant amounts on items like gravy and oil.