Modderbee Correctional Facility at 35 per cent overcrowding
The country's prisons are currently at 137 per cent capacity.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Advocate Michael Masutha says South African prisons are overcrowded by 137 per cent.
Local prison Modderbee Correctional Facility is no exception and is overcrowded by 35 per cent.
Overcrowding impacts negatively on normal operations of the department such as the provision of rehabilitation programmes and medical care.
Also read: New uniforms to distinguish remand inmates
Moreover, it negatively affects the staff capacity and safety.
The overcrowding at the facility creates a few challenges for the department, one of those being the balance of officials versus offenders, which may pose a security risk.
“However, it is also our responsibility to ensure that our facilities are centres of rehabilitation and are secured at all times,” says Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Mocheta Monama.
The department, however, wants to reassure the public that they work hard together with other institutions to ensure safe and secure custody of the inmates and to curb the spread of diseases.
Also read: Elderly man will spend rest of his life in prison for rape
Continuous assessments upon admission and during detention are performed by medical doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, spiritual workers and pharmacists.
Inmates which are found to be in need of services of professionals are referred for further treatment or assistance.
“Communicable diseases are managed in line with the Department of Health processes and where necessary, inmates are referred to external hospitals.
“DCS will continue to implement and come up with more strategies to manage and reduce overcrowding.
“Moreover, the safety and health of the inmates will always be ensured through the provision of a safe and secure environment,” says Monama.
Follow us on our social media platforms:
