Drug mule hopes are pinned on prisoner transfer

LAWYERS for Eastern Cape drug mule Nolubabalo Nobanda, who is serving a 15-year-term in a Thailand prison, are involved in behind-the-scenes moves to lobby government to sign a prisoner-transfer treaty with the Asian country.

The idea is to have Nobanda returned to the country to serve the remainder of her sentence under conditions that are far better than her current situation.

One of her lawyers, who spoke anonymously, as they still had to make formal submissions to both countries and other interested parties, said a precedent-setting change in policy would benefit other South Africans languishing in foreign jails.

"As far as I know, SA does not have a treaty with any other country at the moment. The treaty will have a long-term impact for prisoners who are not treated well in foreign jails. Conditions in any prison are hostile, but as a country you want to have your people transferred after serving a certain portion of their sentences ... even a quarter," he said.

The lawyer said acting on the basis of human rights, the team was busy compiling case studies and submissions which would be used to persuade both countries.

Nobanda was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being bust with cocaine in her dreadlocks in 2011, but this was reduced to 15 years after she cooperated with Thai authorities.

Her plight has resurfaced after drugs were found in a cell she shares with other inmates last week.

In a handwritten letter she wrote to her mother Honjiswa Mbewu on May 24 this year, she details how SA Embassy officials in Thailand have neglected her fellow inmates by failing to provide consular support, denying them sanitary towels and access to ARV treatment.

In the opening line, Nobanda, who is studying for a degree in communications via the University of South Africa (Unisa) says: "I thought I'd write to you after the exams but as things are unfolding here it seems that tough time(s) lie ahead for us".

Mbewu said she last saw her daughter in 2012 as it cost more than R20000 for flights and accommodation. - Loyiso Mpalantshane