Johannesburg – The fate of a Botswana man who was illegally deported – despite facing the death penalty – will be raised at the North Gauteng High Court.

Lawyers for Human Rights are seeking to compel the department of home affairs to locate Edwin Samotse after he was illegally sent back to his country last month.

The organisation also wants an assurance from the Botswana government that Samotse – who is wanted for murder in his home country – will not face the death penalty if convicted.

At the time of his illegal transfer, Samotse was in custody at the Polokwane police station while the Botswana government sought his extradition.

However, after the Botswana government refused to give assurances that, if extradited, Samotse would not face the death penalty, a South African court order was issued to ensure he was not deported.

In two previous cases, South African courts have ruled to ensure that the country’s government and its officials do not deport people to countries where capital punishment is used; unless assurances are given that they will not face the death penalty.

Meanwhile, two home affairs officials have been suspended for allegedly arranging Samotse’s unauthorised deportation, which apparently took place on 13 August.

SAPA