Offenders in Barberton Correctional produce face masks for inmates
Offenders are spending many nights producing face masks for fellow inmates to fight the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Barberton Correctional Centre.
BARBERTON – The correctional services has more than 4 500 offenders and it is mandatory for all of them to wear a face mask. The project is run at the Barberton Town Youth and Maximum Correctional Centres.
According to Messiah Hlungwani, spokesperson for the Barberton Correctional Services, up to date the project has managed to produce 2 200 cloth masks and it is expected that by the end of May all offenders will have one each.
READ: Emalahleni police station now fully operational
“Barberton Correctional Services has not yet recorded a Covid-19 infection case. This is attributed to the systems put in place by the department. Some of these measures to curb the spread of the disease include the banning of the public visiting correctional centres, screening all officials when they report for work, disinfecting correctional facilities regularly, and encouraging offenders to practice personal hygiene on daily bases. Offenders also receive bars of soap to wash their hands, and running water is provided on a regular basis. It is also compulsory for officials to wear a mask when performing their routine duties.
ALSO READ: Domestic dispute ends in wife’s death
“The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Department of Correctional Services is now standing at 654, with 199 officials and 455 inmates. Recoveries currently stand at 123.”
Hlungwani said the department has also started with the process of reducing overcrowding. “Overcrowding is seen as the biggest risk in managing the spread of the virus, since it makes it difficult for inmates to practice physical distancing. Currently, our centres in Barberton are overcrowded by 30 per cent. The minister has already announced that 19 000 offenders will be released on parole to reduce overcrowding.”
“Barberton Correctional Services is also working on releasing some offenders on parole. The processes of identifying eligible offenders to be released on parole has started. All cases will be handled by the parole board. We are also considering releasing those who are failing to pay bail. The large number of remand detainees were granted bail by local courts, but due to socio-economic circumstances they are still behind bars trying to raise bail money, therefore the department is working closely with the judiciary to assist the situation. This will be applicable to inmates detained for minor offences with an option of bail,” he said.
