The transfer of 3,024 prisoners from the Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre to other prisons around the country has escalated the overcrowding rate from 143.06% to 147.06% as announced by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in a media statement issued on Friday, 11 August.
This surge was a direct consequence of the fire that erupted at the Kutama-Sinthumule prison, situated outside Louis Trichardt, on Monday, 7 August, resulting in significant damage to several buildings. The fire was allegedly instigated by inmates protesting to have their grievances addressed by the centre's management.
Following the fire, the DCS held a media briefing at the Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre on Tuesday, 8 August, in which they assured that all inmates from the centre would be accommodated. However, they did not specify the details of how and where the department intended to create additional space.
The Department of Correctional Services manages a total of 212,286 inmates, including 9,351 foreign nationals, across the country. The statement from the DCS emphasised that this situation poses a direct threat to inmate health, security, and overall management, potentially leading to an increase in gang activity. Furthermore, it obstructs the department's ability to deliver development and rehabilitation programmes.
The DCS has a total of 243 correctional centres and 218 community centres throughout the country. To alleviate this strain, President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the remission of non-violent offenders in April of this year. This decision followed the loss of approximately 1,112 bedspaces due to the deteriorated condition of some of the centres across the country.
The remission applies to non-violent and non-sexual offenders who have completed the pre-release program and risk assessment. These individuals must also provide fingerprints and DNA samples for comparison to the South African Police Service database. This remission process will lead to the deportation of 3,064 foreign nationals serving short-term sentences and the release of around 9,488 inmates. Additionally, it will affect a further 15,000 inmates who are currently under correctional supervision and on parole.