Prisoner visits allowed under strict Covid-19 conditions
The Department of Correctional Services said bookings must be pre-arranged at least 48-hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning.
THE Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has reviewed its Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy after the president announced that the country was moving to level 2.
ALSO READ: Covid-19 cases declining in the province, says KZN premier
Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said to this end, inmate visits to correctional centres and remand detention centres shall be permitted under strict conditions, observing Covid-19 health protocols as well as Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
ALSO READ: No further extensions on licences, says transport department
He said it is important for the public to know that visits are limited to one non-contact visit per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time.
“Bookings must be pre-arranged at least 48-hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning. As a result, no visits will be allowed without prior appointment,” he said.
Nxumalo said consultation visits between legal practitioners and inmates will be non-contact and shall observe Covid-19 health protocols and operating procedures as determined by DCS.
Nxumalo emphasised that only visitors with face masks as per the approved name-list will be allowed access.
“Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the scheduled visit time. Inmates will be allowed to receive items as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy.”
Visits will be permitted to take place between 9am and 3pm on visit days.
“In centres housing both sentenced and remands categories, and depending on the number of inmates, remand detainees may receive visits on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, excluding public holidays. Whereas, sentenced offenders will be allowed visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, weekends and public holidays,” continued Nxumalo.
He asked the public to be honest during screening in order to prevent any potential infections and cross contamination.
“It is important to note that provision of false information is a criminal offense,” said Nxumalo.
He said a single suspected cases of Covid-19, at any given time, at any of the facilities, would affect visitations.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
