Deputy Speaker, the Department of Correctional Services, DCS, has recently experienced a number of incidents of riotous behaviour by inmates, which led to several deaths, injury and damage to property.
In late October, 600 inmates rioted at the Odi Correctional Centre in Gauteng. Last week, at Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Free State, riots resulted in the burning of offices, clothing stores and a clinic. These riots took place over three consecutive days as the department struggled to bring the situation under control.
Three weeks ago, a cell in the housing unit for juvenile remand detainees in Krugersdorp Correctional Centre was also set alight. Only one officer was on duty at that unit at the time when two juvenile inmates died as a result of severe burns. It is evident from reports that an acute shortage of officials exists in the DCS. As a result officials were not able to prevent the loss of life and damage to property.
The current situation is posing a serious threat to the lives of officials and inmates, which we should attend to rather than concentrating on frivolous activities such as the renaming of correctional centres. The DA urges the Minister to focus on ensuring the safety of officials and inmates. More staff, improved training, and responsible management require the urgent attention of the Minister.