Many Zimbabweans have welcomed a South African High Court ruling which compels the police to take to court arrested immigrants within 48 hours.
A Gauteng North court has ruled that a section of the Immigration Act is unconstitutional as it allowed for prolonged detention of suspects contrary to the country's criminal law which stipulates that all detainees must appear in court within that period after arrest.
Zimbabwe Exiles Forum coordinator, Diana Zimbudzana, told VOA Studio 7 the ruling is a welcome development because many foreigners, including Zimbabweans, were usually forced to spend days or even weeks in police detention as a means to force them to pay bribes.
“We view that ruling with jubilation and joy. It is a ruling that has put relief into the minds of Zimbabweans and other nationals who are living in South Africa,” said Zimbudzana.
She added that following this ruling the police must be seen complying, otherwise if they do not do so then there would be questions of rule of law in South Africa.
The matter was taken to court by the South African lawyers for human rights who were challenging its constitutionality.
