PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY | |
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 1390
QUESTION PAPER NO 12: 28 AUGUST 2009
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
1) What progress has been made towards the roll-out of electronic
tracking devices to monitor the movement of parolees and probationers;
2) whether the implementation of such a system will assist in
popularising correctional supervision as an alternative to
imprisonment; if so, (a) to what extent and (b) what steps does her
department contemplate to popularise alternative sentences?
NW1744E
REPLY
(1) The Department of Correctional Services has made strides with regard
to the roll-out of Electronic Tracking for the movement of parolees
and probationers. An important development has been the approval of
the Business Case on Electronic Monitoring of offenders. A Cabinet
memorandum has been compiled and forwarded wherein start up funds are
being requested to kick start Electronic Monitoring of parolees and
probationers in the system of community corrections. The introduction
of Electronic Monitoring of offenders in South Africa will most
probably become a reality after start up funds have been secured and
once the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and Cabinet have
given the Department the final go-ahead, the tendering process will be
taken forward as a matter of urgency. The feedback in this regard is
still being awaited from the Cabinet.
(2) Yes, the implementation of Electronic Monitoring will enhance
effective utilisation of correctional supervision as an alternative to
incarceration.
(a) The introduction of Electronic Monitoring will improve supervision
and effective management of parolees and probationers in the system of
community corrections.
Such a system will also promote the confidence of various partners and
the public to enhance effective utilization of alternative sentencing
options.
Electronic Monitoring will further alleviate the problems of
overcrowded correctional centres.
It will furthermore assist the Department of Correctional Services to
absorb increased volumes of Awaiting Trial Detainees placed by the
courts under supervision of this Department.
Electronic Monitoring will assist in enforcing supervision conditions
such as House Detention, Restriction to Magisterial District.
(b) The Department contemplates to engage various stakeholders at
National level to popularise alternative sentencing options.
The Regional and the Local structures of the department will
continuously launch marketing strategies to popularise the alternative
sentencing options and will provide feedback to National Head Office
on progress.