Launch of yellow custodian uniform for detainees
The launch of the yellow custodian uniform for remand detainees was held at Witbank Prison recently.
It was stated during the launch that the fact that remand detainees (RD), awaiting trial detainees, wear their own clothing contributes to a high escape risk, as well as health risk and poor hygiene in respect of RDs who are unable to change their clothing on a regular basis. The launch was held on Monday, May 18.
Chaplain O. Madlala opened with a prayer and Cllr Derrick Skosana, representing the mayor, apologised on her behalf and thanked the Department of Correctional Services for the role they were playing.
Ms Lizzie Masango, an official from the department, explained about the roll out. He indicated that it was easy to identify the prisoners and it does not mean they were already sentenced. She also stated that the uniform has been manufactured at Witbank Correctional clothing factory by Skilled Offenders; Remand Detainees in terms of Correctional Services Act 111 (Act No 111 of 1998) is inclusive of all categories of unsentenced persons in Correctional facilities.
“The wearing of civilian clothes by remand detainees holds a heightened security risk due to the difficulty of distinguishing between them and civilians working inside the facilities. We believe our programmes are effective has been approved by the president in parliament,”
reads a statement from the Department of Correctional Services.
Section 48 of the Correctional Service Act therefore makes provision for supplying remand detainees with a uniform, which is different from the prescribed one for sentenced offenders, and it may not be worn to court.
Area commissioner of Witbank Management Area, Reverend Mandla Sibanyoni, thanked the management of the department for work they were doing.
He further stated that even though they were faced with challenges, he believes they will overcome them because of good support. He also thanked the other department, who worked hand in hand with them, and said that he values their support and the role they play in fighting crime.
“We choose Monday for a reason as everybody is still fresh and to ensure that all care is taken of. Matters of uniform deal with an inner being of a person. Uniform brings dignity, unison and a positive outlook. This will assist in the end and wear these uniforms with pride and love them,” said Reverend Sibanyoni.
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