Correctional Services National Commissioner Tom Moyane says 23 of the rearrested Harrismith escapees have been sentenced to a collective 153 years for escaping from lawful custody.
Briefing the Portfolio Committee meeting in Cape Town this afternoon on a range of crucial matters, Commissioner Moyane praised the tireless efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the public to assisting in re-arresting 25 of the 41 escapees.Their cases were expedited and have all been sentenced for their escape to between five and 10 years behind bars without an option of a fine. The investigation has been completed and disciplinary processes against two officials are underway.
On other security breaches Commissioner Moyane indicated that of the 16 officials investigated following the escape of offenders from Durban Westville Correctional Centre, nine were found guilty while two were found not guilty and five more are expecting the final verdict of internal disciplinary hearings.
Six of these officials were given suspension without pay for three months while three officials received final written warnings. Regarding the security breach at Kokstad Correctional Centre three officials were summarily dismissed, two for sleeping on duty and the third main official for compromising security through unethical relations with an offender.
The department is determined to defend its self against officials challenging their dismissals for unbecoming conduct through arbitration. These officials include the four that were summarily dismissed after the escape of 41 inmates from Harrismith Correctional Centre.
In his comprehensive report to the Portfolio Committee Commissioner Moyane also covered the following areas:
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Launch of “Operation Zenzele”, as a security tightening campaign to deal with continued smuggling of cell-phones and other contraband that are being used to continue committing crimes against the people.The campaign includes the introduction of an invisible ink for visitor identification, driving the development of a comprehensive Security Technology Strategy as well as continue use of random searches for illegal substances.
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A contractor is busy as from 4 October 2010 at the new Kimberley Correctional Centre effecting repairs estimated at R4.4million to the unit damaged by fire during offender riots in August 2010.
The engagement of 141 Case Intervention Officers in November 2009 to drive the implemented of rehabilitation programmes that include:
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Anger Management Programme
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Crossroads Correctional Programme
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Preparatory Programme on Sexual Offences
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Pre-release Programme
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Substance Abuse Correctional Programme
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Restorative Justice Orientation Programme
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New Beginnings Orientation Programme; as well as the
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Behaviour Modification Programme on Gangsterism introduced in 2010.
Commissioner Moyane is accompanied by a high level delegation of Correctional Services that includes Chief Deputy Commissioners and other executive managers.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
