In introducing these reports, the committee wishes to draw attention to the underutilisation of inmate labour, thereby impacting negatively on the effectiveness of rehabilitation. In many instances the workshops erected for skills training are underutilised because, according to the Department of Correctional Services, trainers, instructors and artisans are in short supply. The committee is not convinced that there is a shortage in disciplines like welding, plumbing, electrification, cabinet-making, etc, and implores the Department of Correctional Services to redouble its efforts in ensuring that all inmates are either occupied with meaningful skills development or improving their education. No inmate must be idle for 23 hours a day. The committee's view is: no work, no school, no parole.
The committee also observed that the process of considering inmates for parole and their monitoring thereafter has been unacceptable, to say the least. The committee therefore urges the Department of Correctional Services to support the introduction of electronic monitoring technology to assist in the monitoring of those who have been released on parole.
In respect of the general management of inmates inside their cells, the committee is of the view that improvements need to be put into place as soon as possible, especially in light of the overcrowding in these facilities and the adverse inmate-to-official ratio that sometimes is as high as 300 inmates to three officials. This security threat, we believe, can be addressed by the use of technology. The committee is of the view that surveillance cameras installed in all cells will be a deterrent to human abuse, whether perpetrated by inmate on inmate or by official on inmate.
The committee is also calling for the introduction of cellphone-jamming technology. We believe that this will address the current problem of the prevalence of cellphones being used by inmates to conduct their criminal affairs even while they are in their prison cells.
Another area of concern is the state of disrepair of facilities. In Mthatha the committee found that the water and electricity supply was interrupted for up to three days. This poses both a security risk in regard to a lack of electricity at night, as well as a health risk resulting from a shortage of water. This kind of situation was observed in Durban-Westville and in St Albans in Port Elizabeth. The Department of Public Works and the Department of Correctional Services need to improve their working relationship in order to address these problems.
Furthermore, the committee is of the view that the appointment of external contractors without the necessary capacity or skill in maintenance must be stopped with immediate effect. There is no reason why inmates cannot be used to repair leaking taps, broken toilets and other such small repairs, instead of spending on maintenance contracts in these instances.
In the final area of focus, the committee is of the view that the impacts of the entire criminal justice cluster on Correctional Services need to be reviewed. The committee raises its concern about the poor use of legislative provisions and other agreements that may reduce the inmate population. Some of these provisions, if used regularly, will effect a radical reduction, not only in the remand detention population, but also in the sentenced inmate population.
Here we refer to the utilisation of alternate sentences by the judiciary, as well as affordable bail. We also call on the Legal Aid Board to improve its services to inmates and the SA Police Service and the prosecution to ensure that, by the time cases go to court, they are ready for prosecution. There should be no reason for cases to be remanded because investigators ask for more time to investigate or there are no magistrates or prosecutors.
Chair, this is, in summary, the contents of the reports of the committee. We submit these reports not only for adoption by the House but also take this opportunity to implore all members of this House to make time to oversee the performance of correctional facilities within their constituencies. This is our request because unless and until such time as the Department of Correctional Services is successful in its operations and missions, the cycle of crime in South Africa is unlikely to be broken.
There was no debate.
Chairperson, I move:
That the Reports be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report on Visit to Douglas Correctional Centre of Excellence on 8 October 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Unannounced Visit to Kimberley Correctional Centre on 8 October 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Attendance of Official Opening of Tswelopele Correctional Centre on 7 October 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Enquiries into allegations of Abuse of Power and Sexual Harassment against head of Bethal Correctional Centre accordingly adopted.
Report on Amendment of Correctional Services Regulations, 2004, dated 19 October 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Factors Contributing to Overcrowding in Correctional Centres, dated 14 September 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Unannounced Visit to Leeuwkop Correctional Centre on 24 February 2011 accordingly adopted.