Overcrowding in SA's prisons burdensome on Correctional Services Dept

​South Africa’s prisons continue to struggle with severe overcrowding, with more than 170,000 inmates detained during the festive season.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that its facilities nationwide have a capacity of more that 107,000 beds.

This means the number of inmates far exceeds the department’s approved bed capacity.

Addressing a media briefing on Monday, Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale said the country’s prisons are under immense strain.

"This level of incarceration represents the highest population recorded in recent years, and has placed immense pressure on infrastructure, staffing, security management, and budget, compounded by reduced court activity during the period."

He added that prisons are overburdened

"The numbers continue to increase, and this reflects the effectiveness of the Justice, Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, in the main, the police, prosecution, and the courts. However, it continues to put more weight on the correctional system in terms of the population."