a) Total number of remand detainees who have who have been in detention for more than two years as at 31st March 2022 was 3 698.
Regional breakdown is as follows:-
Region |
Grand Total |
Gauteng |
1718 |
Western Cape |
708 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North-West |
390 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
387 |
Eastern Cape |
291 |
Free State & Northern Cape |
204 |
Grand Total |
3698 |
Source: GITO |
b) The reasons for the prolonged period of detention is the delayed response from the courts on the outcome of the applications of Section 49 G or a continue with detention response is received, however DCS does continue to make use of the provision of Section 49G of the Correctional Services Act by referring Remand Detainees (RDs) to court before completing a period of two years for consideration of their detention and thereafter annually if the RD remains in detention after the initial referral. The courts are required to consider applications from DCS where possible outcomes are as follows:-
The department intends to intensify relationships with the Justice Cluster by participating in the National Efficiency Enhancement Committee (NEEC), Judicial Case Flow structures and the courts to address this challenge.
c) The strategies developed during the two consultative sessions held in November 2021 for all six regions relates to measures to reduce overcrowding. Heads of Centres were encouraged to establish and maintain stakeholder relations by attending District Efficiency Enhancement Committee (DEEC) meetings where issues relating to Case flows are addressed.
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