As part of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) commitment to ensure a safe, and secure, festive season, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Thabang Makwetla, will join Correctional Officials during an Operation Vala search operation at Johannesburg Correctional Centre tomorrow (Tuesday, 22 December 2015).
Media is invited to cover the operation. Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Time: 10h30
Venue: Johannesburg Correctional Centre, Johannesburg
We wish to request media attending 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 13h00 today (Monday, 21 December 2015).
With the December holidays upon us, DCS is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at South Africa’s 243 correctional centres. To this end, the department launched Operation Vala as part of intensifying security operations. 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.
