There was good news for inmates and their families as the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced that visits to correctional centres will be allowed from September 26. DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, outlined that domestic visits to prisons or correctional centres were previously banned by the government after the Covid-19 lockdown implementation in March.
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“We will continue to provide virtual (video) visits as part of the new schedule,” he said. Nxumalo added that it was critical for members of the public to observe that visits will be limited to one non-contact visit per inmate at a time. He said the department will continuously monitor the situation and will continue to follow the advice of SA health as the lead agency. “Visiting information may change at any time if an increased risk of Covid-19 is identified,” he added. Nxumalo said members of the public will now be permitted to visit inmates at correctional centres and remand detainee centres.
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He added, “Visits shall be limited to one visit per inmate per month, irrespective of the privileged group. Legal representatives will be permitted non-contact visits with their clients. Nodal persons have been nominated to administer bookings which can be done via telephone or email. Bookings maybe prearranged at least 48 hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning. “Visitors will be informed of the time of their visit and are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the time of the visit. Only 30 minutes will be allocated per visit. They will take place between 09:00 and 15:00 on visiting days. Visitors are expected to wear masks and they will be subjected to screening before entry. Only one visitor per inmate,” he said.
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Families who will be visiting the prisoners are urged to do their bookings early. “Visitors are required to provide their identity books or cards, or RSA driver’s licences or passports. They will be allowed to bring items as per the privileged group of the inmates, or alternatively deposit cash following the inmate cash procedures. The public is also informed that inmates placed in quarantine will not be allowed visitation rights,” he pointed out. An ecstatic community member, Thobile Sibiya from Msogwaba, said, “I am excited because now I will be able to visit my brother and check if he is still safe from the deadly Covid-19”. Nkosingiphile Mhlongo, also from Matsulu, was pleased about the news. He added that he will soon visit his cousin at Barberton Correctional Services. “I haven’t seen my cousin since the lockdown started,” he said.
