Thanks very much, hon member. Well, it's important to also state that we are in the process of establishing an awaiting remand detention branch within the Department of Correctional Services where you will have management of all of the services that should be provided to remand detainees. That's where these services will be managed.
With regard to people taking us to court, obviously we deal with issues of litigation on a daily basis in the department from both remand detainees and those who are convicted and found guilty of wrongdoing, serving time for different reasons. We do have cases of people who are sick in our facilities, and some of them will claim that they should have a right to go on medical parole. If that does not happen, they will then take us to court.
Some of these people, obviously, are those who were sexually abused or molested at the point of admission at the correctional facilities. It is a matter that we are trying to deal with very aggressively, but it is one of the most difficult challenges. Of course, people have taken us to court for that because in the process they then contract, at times, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, and HIV.
It is something that happens all the time. It is not something that is uncommon. In any facility, anywhere in the world, this is the biggest problem that you will have. Obviously, things will happen that will lead to a situation where remand detainees will take governments to court. Thank you very much.
Resources available for rural safety plan and request for extra resources to support fight against crime in rural areas, particularly to curb gender- based violence and abuse of children
14. Mr S S Mazosiwe (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
(1) What is the nature of the resources that are available for the rural safety plan;
(2) whether any requests have been received for extra resources to support the fight against crime in rural areas and on farms, particularly in curbing gender-based violence and the abuse of children; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?