1. (a) a total of 285 inmates escaped from custody over the past six years (2017/2018 to 2022/2023 financial years). There was an average of 151 495 inmates in custody at any given time during the mentioned period. The escape rate can be averaged at forty eight (48) inmates per year. This translates to an average of 0.032% inmates escaping from custody per annum.
(b) Type of crimes committed by escapees over the past six financial years:
2. (a) (b) Total number of inmates who escaped, rearrested and/ or remain at large as at 30 April 2022.
Region |
Un-sentenced Escaped |
Total Re-Arrested |
Un-sentenced still at large |
Eastern Cape |
08 |
08 |
00 |
Gauteng |
28 |
13 |
15 |
Free State Northern Cape |
16 |
14 |
02 |
Western Cape |
82 |
80 |
02 |
KwaZulu- Natal |
11 |
10 |
01 |
Limpopo Mpumalanga North- West |
01 |
01 |
00 |
NATIONAL |
146 |
126 |
20 |
Total number of sentenced inmates who escaped, re-arrested and/ or are still at large.
Region |
Sentenced Escaped |
Total Re-Arrested |
Sentenced still at large |
Eastern Cape |
22 |
21 |
01 |
Gauteng |
26 |
13 |
13 |
Free State, Northern Cape |
20 |
17 |
03 |
Western Cape |
18 |
17 |
01 |
KwaZulu- Natal |
16 |
11 |
05 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North – West |
37 |
21 |
16 |
NATIONAL |
139 |
100 |
39 |
4. Escapes are reported to the South African Police Services (SARS) and criminal cases are opened against the perpetrators. SARS track and tracing unit together with the DCS EST (Emergency Support Teams) conduct manhunt and search operations.
Due to the violent nature of most escapees. For all foreign national who escape, DCS and SAPS also engage with to the SADC countries law enforcement agencies.
END.