North West Public Works on secure care centre

3 February 2009

Public Works North West has just completed a R26,7 million centre for young
offenders in efforts to help alleviate the challenge of juvenile overcrowding
in prisons. The Rustenburg Secure Care Centre in Boitekong is the third
delivered by the department in the last two years. The other two, which are
already operational, are in Matlosana and Mafikeng.

Young people between the ages of 13 and 17, who are in conflict with the law
and awaiting trial, are held and rehabilitated at such centres, this is done in
accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. Before the introduction
of such facilities, young people awaiting trial used to be detained either in
police cells or prisons with adults. This exposed them to “abuse” and “negative
influence” by hardened criminals.

According to the Acting Chief Director for Infrastructure, Johannes Tselane,
the project was handed over to the contractor in September 2006 and the final
completion was recorded in January 2009.

A “one stop” youth justice centre, the facility in Rustenburg can
accommodate up to 60 offenders. It has an administration block, mini police
station, in-house clinic, conference centre, courtyard, security block, social
work department, kitchen area, and a recreational area. The facility also
boasts woodwork, steelwork, electrical and art workshops for the empowerment
and rehabilitation of offenders.

In 2002, cabinet urged the Departments of Correctional Services and Social
Development to expedite the process of ensuring that juveniles were kept in
separate prisons or places of safety. This was after a South African
Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) TV news exposé of corruption that was allegedly
taking place at the Grootvlei Prison in Bloemfontein, Free State. The video
footage showed among others, prison warders allegedly selling juveniles to
older prisoners for sex.

Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial
Government
3 February 2009
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za/)