24 February 2009
"Gangsterism remains a sore point," says Commissioner Sibeko.
"Only an integrated and dynamic onslaught against gangs and all other forms
of organised crime can ensure that we achieve our goal of safe custody for
inmates and officials". This is the view of National Commissioner of
Correctional Services Xoliswa Sibeko expressed at a special session of round
table on combating gangsterism in correctional centres that was held at
Kievietskroon in Pretoria on 24 February 2009.
The Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons, non-governmental organisations (NGOs),
faith-based organisations (FBOs), advocacy organisations and academic
institutions shared their views and solutions on gangsterism. The round table
discussion is part of National Commissioner Sebekaâs efforts to build enduring
partnerships to among others combat gangsterism that has been a perennial
challenge facing the Department of Correctional Services for over a
century.
Commissioner Sibeko says âthe integrated and dynamic anti-gang strategy has
been outstanding for a very long time and we cannot wait any longer. She
welcomed a draft anti-gang strategy presented at the meeting as a crucial
milestone towards closing the institutional, systemic, psychological gaps that
have helped to sustain the influence of gangs in correctional centres.â
She warned that although good progress had been made over the last five
years in reducing incidents of violence associated with gangsterism from 196
incidents in 1996 to 12 in 2008, the actual gangs' influence may remain high
and therefore needed a coherent approach to deal with. She called for
strengthening of partnerships; sanctions against gang leaders and of programmes
aimed at keeping inmates busy and eliminate idle minds.
The meeting heard that about 2600 inmates belong to gangs constituting only
1.7 percent of about 160 000 inmates in Correctional facilities. The department
also acknowledged that the levels of influence may be higher with some inmates
concealing their members, collusion or compliance the problematic
sub-culture.
Commissioner Sibeko called for broader engagement of players in the debate
to ensure that the plan developed and continuously improved delivers the levels
of safety and security required in correctional centres.
National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders
(NICRO), HOPE Ministries and (CSPRI) Civil Society Prison Reform Initiative
also gave their perspective at the round table discussion session. Their
presentations are attached for your reference.
Contact:
Manelisi Wolela
E-mail: Manelisi.Wolela@dcs.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
24 February 2009
