Sentenced to death

THE Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has expressed her concern about the high number of South Africans detained abroad on a variety of charges, predominantly drugrelated, following the death sentence handed down to a South African citizen in Vietnam.

The male South African, whose details are known to Dirco, was sentenced to death in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday.

The man was arrested and charged with drug smuggling in 2016.

An official from the South African mission in Vietnam was in the court when the sentence was handed down.

The family of the man have been informed of the latest developments, and the department is rendering consular support to them.

The department will continue to monitor the case and will take the lead from the concerned citizen with regard to the possibility of appealing the sentence.

There are 800 South Africans doing time in foreign jails.

The department once again calls on South Africans travelling abroad to familiarise themselves with the legal and cultural practices of the countries they are visiting.

South Africans are warned against taking part in any unlawful activities while abroad. Ndivhuwo Mabaya Department of International Relations and Co-operation