The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services welcomes probe
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services welcomes the announcement of an investigation into media reports that two prisoners recently released on parole had held a party in their cell and had access to alcohol and a cellphone.
“It is such swift action that gives us hope that there is willingness within the department to deal with the many problems facing the department and correctional facilities. Such willingness is necessary if we are to have correctional facilities that serve their purpose of being centres of rehabilitation for offenders,” said Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Vincent Smith.
Despite this, the Committee remains concerned about the ease with which banned substances make their way into correctional facilities. “The Committee is of the view that long-term solutions are needed to address this problem as it undermines the objective of correctional facilities,” Mr Smith emphasised.
It is within this context that the Committee welcomes this investigation and hopes it will be another step towards finding lasting solutions to the proliferation of banned substances in correctional facilities. The Committee calls on the department to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that anyone found to have broken the law and assisted in smuggling the alleged substances face the necessary penalty.
The Committee will monitor the progress of the investigation and will request the Department of Correctional Services to explain the circumstances.
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Malatswa Evans Molepo
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