“It’s all systems go in Correctional Services for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup” said National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Tom Moyane.
This emerged after a special executive meeting the Department of Correctional Services held at Johannesburg Correctional Centre this morning. The centre is one of the special facilities which the department has dedicated for additional bed space for incarcerating those arrested for World Cup related offences.
The meeting which was also graced by the presence of the Minister of Correctional Services, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was convened by the National Commissioner to look at, among other things, the assessment of the state of readiness of the department in relation to the World Cup.
“I’m quite happy with the current state of affairs as this demonstrates that the department is to contribute its part in delivering the best ever Fifa World Cup” said Commissioner, Mr Tom Moyane.
The Department of Correctional Services will be beaming the games to nearly 6 000 monitors already available in correctional centres for inmates and offenders incarcerated in communal cells across the country. The department has also made provisions to provide provisional alternative viewing facilities where some of the screens have been damaged, in order to provide free to air broadcasts of the 64 Fifa World Cup games starting with South Africa and Mexico inaugural match to be played at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Also the department has made provision for almost 3 800 bed spaces in all centres close to stadia where Fifa World Cup games will be played, ranging from 10 bed spaces in small centres to 500 bed spaces at large centres.
It needs to be noted that use of correctional centres will only be used to accommodate inmates when the South African Police Service cells are overflowing. It should also be noted that the facilities still accommodating current inmates, who will only be moved out when a need arises during the course of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Other measures put in place include a moratorium on taking of leave by all officials at the coal face to ensure maximum human resources capacity in case of need, tightening of security measures including curtailing of unnecessary movement outside of Correctional Centres and readiness of Emergency Support Teams who are specialists in management of riots and intensive security challenges facing any facility in the country. The plan is to ensure that all foreign inmates are incarcerated separately for their safety.
The department is an integral part of broader criminal justice system plans and Local Organising Committee (LOC) structures across all regions, where continuous security risk assessments are made and interventions coordinated.
The department believes people will do their best to fully enjoy the soccer spectacular without breaking the law. They must be aware that the integrated security systems of South Africa working with FIFA is more than ready to deal with any deviant behaviour promptly, justly and fairly.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
10 June 2010
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
