Minister Lamola: Prisons overcrowded after 1 000s arrested over SA unrest
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola says overcrowding in prison cells remains the most challenging issue following arrests as a result of the rampant looting and violent unrest that occurred in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Lamola on Wednesday briefed Parliament’s portfolio committee on justice, where he revealed that Department of Correctional Services (DCS) facilities were “stretched due to overcrowding”.
Lamola indicated more than 1400 people were admitted to facilities as of Tuesday.
“From a Correctional Services perspective, we are required to reconfigure the remand detention system, which is already overburdened. We have received a high number of remand detainees in KwaZulu-Natal and the Gauteng region as a result of arrests made for recent criminal acts and violence.
“To date a total of 1498 remand detainees were admitted in our facilities. This was as of yesterday’s [Tuesday] count… the numbers could have increased. Our facilities are stretched due to overcrowding and our challenges are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Lamola, however, said no person involved in the looting and violence would evade justice.
“We continue to mitigate against the challenges through various measures. Both regions of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are coping and continue to admit new inmates. We ensure that the new detainees are isolated for Covid-19 screening and observation before they interact with the general inmate population.
“So honourable members, rest assured that no one who took part in the acts of criminality will evade justice. Our institutions are working together to expedite all matters before them. Justice will take its course and the rule of law will reign supreme,” he said.
The minister also pointed out the South African Police Service (Saps) prison cells were also experiencing overcrowding, adding that quick processing was required due to the large number of arrests.
Since the start of the violence in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, more than 200 people had lost their lives – with more than 2550 people arrested as of 19 July.
Police are also investigating 131 cases of murder and have opened inquest dockets in respect of 81 deaths.
Instigators
Meanwhile, police have arrested nine of the 12 alleged masterminds – including former Ukhozi FM DJ Ngizwe Mchunu and Patriotic Alliance leader Bruce Nimmerhoudt – behind the riots and destruction of property.
While more arrests are expected, one of the alleged instigators has since been granted bail.
Mchunu has since been denied bail and remains in custody following his first appearance at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning.
According to a local publication, Mchunu’s bail application has been set down for 28 July.
Ngizwe is being denied bail, he could be a flight risk the magistrate said. pic.twitter.com/vZm6O3mR3d
— Mxolisi Luke Mkhize (@MxolisiLuke) July 21, 2021
-The Citizen
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