Correctional Services praised for significant reduction escapes
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Thabang Makwetla, has praised the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for its constant reduction in the number of escapes at the country’s 243 correctional centres, from 1,244 per annum in 1995 to 49 in the last (2014/15) financial year.
According to the latest (2014/15) DCS annual report, the Department reduced escapes to 0.031% with 99.97% of the country’s 159,563 inmates remaining safely behind bars. Forty nine (49) escapes were reported last year (2014/15), compared to 60 the previous year (2013/14). Of the 0.031% of escapes last year, the majority were re-arrested and are back behind bars.
Speaking yesterday (22 December 2015) at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, where he joined an Operation Vala search operation, Deputy Minister Makwetla said: “The number of escapes from correctional centres has dropped significantly from 20 years ago. This is not a small achievement. It talks to the commitment of our correctional officials executing these duties”.
Operation Vala, which runs from 25 November 2015 until 14 January 2016, will see security beefed up at all correctional facilities, with more limitations on offender movement. On Tuesday (22 December 2015), hundreds of awaiting-trial detainees and their cells were searched at Johannesburg Correctional Centre. Bags of dagga, makeshift screwdrivers, daggers, spoons, cellphones, chargers, kettle elements, plugs and home-made gym equipment were confiscated. "The amount of cellphones that we have found in this hour is a huge success, but at the same time, an indication that we must still do more as the department to reduce the problem," Mr Makwetla said.
The Deputy Minister also warned corrupt officials that their actions will not be tolerated, and called upon citizens to do their part in this regard, and report any suspicious activity immediately, as Corrections is a Societal Responsibility.
The December/January holiday period is, generally, a period during which inmates are desperate to escape for various reasons, which include, amongst others, to participate in criminal activities or simply to be with family or friends. It is for this reason that special emphasis is placed on security measures in correctional centres, with increased visibility, and involvement, of managers at all levels in the operational activities. Focus areas for Operation Vala include tightening security measures at correctional centres, increased supervision of officials as well as decreasing idleness amongst inmates.
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