Hon Chair, hon member, yes, as you are aware, we recommissioned this unit, which is rural safety, and within it it has a stock theft division. Again, people who come from big cities bank with commercial banks. From the rural communities' point of view, stock becomes the bank of those who stay in those areas and they become very important. Therefore, if there is stock theft, it's like robbery. It is exactly like a bank robbery. So, we take it as seriously as that. The issue of those areas bordering some of our neighbours, in so far as stock theft is concerned, is one point of concern, as the member said.
But also, stock theft happens internally where people, gangs and syndicates move from one area or one province to another on this issue of stock theft. Statistics also back the work that is being done by the police in so far as this is concerned, because it is a concerning crime in South Africa today. If you look at last year's statistics, this is one area where there has been an increase. Since then, we have been working very hard to ensure that we really make a dent in ensuring that they will reverse what seems to be an increase in crime in this particular area. Thank you.
Details relating to plans to deal with rising number of awaiting-trial detainees and level of interaction between department and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
12. Ms N D Ntwanambi (ANC) asked the Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether her department has established any plans to deal with the rising number of awaiting-trial detainees in correctional centres across the country; if not, (a) why not and (b) what challenges are currently being experienced with regard to awaiting-trial detainees; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what is the level of interaction between her department and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in this regard?