Masemola proposes non-custodial sanctions for certain crimes to address SA's populous prisons

JOHANNESBURG - National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has proposed non-custodial sanctions for certain crimes to address the country's populous prisons.

Police are among the organs of State meeting during the week at the National Conference on the Integrated Criminal Justice System in Boksburg.

The conference will also lead the repeal of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977, which is the primary piece of legislation used in criminal courts.

According to the Department of Correctional Services' National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, the country’s prisons are housing 48% more than capacity, with the numbers increasing.

Masemola said prison time was not always the best solution for convicts of certain crimes.

“Less serious convicts, they learn a lot while they are incarcerated. By the time they get released, they are graduates and once they are graduates, they will do and behave like that, and they are not afraid to do anything.”

Thobakgale said the results of overcrowded prisons were more escapes, an increase in gangs and criminal rings, and a higher risk of disease outbreaks.