For the financial year 2022/23 the inmate population in KZN Region increased from
22 024 to 24 256, reflecting an increase of 2 232 inmates.
The daily unlock as at 15 May 2023 was 24 180 against an approved bedspace of 17 778.
Approved Bedspace |
Inmate population |
Occupancy Level |
Overcrowding level |
||
Remand Detainees and other unsentenced |
Sentenced |
Grant total |
|||
17 778 |
6 874 |
17 222 |
24 096 |
135.54% |
35.54% |
The distribution of the correctional centres according to security classification/category:
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION/CATEGORIES |
TOTAL |
Maximum |
05 |
Medium |
30 |
Remand Detention Facilities |
03 |
Medium - Female |
01 |
Medium - Youth |
02 |
Medium - Juvenile |
0 |
Maximum - Juvenile |
0 |
Medium - Pre-Release |
01 |
TOTAL |
42 |
It should be noted that the main contributing factor to overcrowding is the type of serious crimes committed which result to long sentences and bail denial by the courts.
In an effort to manage overcrowding, the Department continues to implement the approved Overcrowding Reduction Strategy that elaborates on direct and indirect measures to manage overcrowding within correctional facilities.
Direct measures are those that may result in the reduction of the inmates such as:
Indirect measures are for facilitating reduction through implementation of activities that can contribute to the reduction of the DCS population namely:
The Department has established Governance structures where overcrowding and the management thereof is discussed. The National Overcrowding Task Team (NOTT) monitors the implementation of the Regional Transfer Plans whereas the Regional Overcrowding Task Team (ROTT) monitors even distribution of offenders within the region.
All Protocols in terms of the management of Remand Detainees are implemented at all Remand Detainee and Mixed facilities. The protocols referred to relate to the following;
END.