Nuns volunteering at Little Eden questioned by SAPS about passports
Passports compulsory for foreigners - SAPS
The SAPS has cautioned all foreign nationals, living and working in South Africa, to carry their official papers permitting them to be in the country at all times.
Tighter borders over festive season
This comes after six nuns and a French national, currently volunteering at Little Eden, were questioned during a roadblock in Edenvale last Thursday.
Little Eden hosts Christmas concert
The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said the driver of the vehicle transporting the nuns was stopped during a roadblock on Novemver 24. The driver, who is a French national, was carrying the relevant papers. The nuns, however, did not have their passports with them.
“As we approach the festive season, we are going to have similar roadblocks. Foreign nationals need carry their papers wherever they go because, like in any other country, you need to identify yourself should the need arise, ” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Sgt Tsotsotso said foreigners need to ensure that the documents they are carrying are valid.
“If you are here to work, make sure you have a permit that states you are here for work and it should also have a clear expiry date.”
Ms Veronica Mannix, the PR/communications manager for Little Eden, said they understand the police were on duty but they were concerned that the nuns were traumatised by what they went through. Little Eden is an organisation that cares for disabled adults and children.
The nuns have been volunteering at the organisation for about two years.
Ms Nicollette Muthige, the communications officer at Little Eden, said they understand the police were doing their duty, however, “The matter could have been handled differently.”
“The police requested the passports from the nuns but they were not carrying them. They advised the police that someone was bringing them. The police were not happy with that and the nuns were put in the police vehicle until Mr Khodani Muthige, the shop manager at Little Eden, arrived with the passports. That is when they were released,” said Ms Muthige.
