Launch of Operation Vala to intensify festive season security at Correctional Centres – “A safer festive season for you!”
With the December holidays just a few weeks away, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at South Africa’s 243 correctional centres.
To this end, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr. Zach Modise, will officially launch Operation Vala for the 2015/16 festive season. This year’s intensified security operations will see increased cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force and the Metro Police.
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 at the country’s correctional facilities.
Focus areas for Operation Vala include tightening security measures at correctional centres, increased supervision of officials as well as decreasing idleness amongst inmates. Operation Vala does not only mark an enhanced security period for Correctional Services, but also demonstrates the Department’s commitment to ensuring a safe, and secure, festive season for all citizens.
Media is invited to cover the launch of Operation Vala. This year (2015) also marks 50 years since the establishment of the DCS Dog Unit, and members of the Dog Unit will be honoured at the event. The launch will offer media various photo opportunities, particularly of specialized operational displays, and exhibitions, by various law enforcement agencies and emergency services.
Details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Time: 7h30 for 8h00
Venue: Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre, Tshwane, Gauteng
We wish to request media to please confirm attendance, by sending their full name, ID or passport number and mobile number to Matshidiso Mapole at Matshidiso.Mapole@dcs.gov.za or 076 478 3620, by no later than tomorrow (Tuesday, 3 November 2015).
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 076 062 2180
