South Africa’s correctional facilities remain under severe strain due to persistent overcrowding, with more than 170 000 inmates housed in prisons during the festive season, according to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
The department has an approved bed capacity of just over 107 000, meaning the current inmate population significantly exceeds available accommodation. Officials have described the situation as the highest incarceration level recorded in recent years, placing immense pressure on prison infrastructure, staffing, security management and financial resources.
Overcrowding was further exacerbated by reduced court activity during the festive period, which slowed the processing of cases and the release of inmates.
Addressing the media on Monday, National Commissioner Makgothi Thubakgale acknowledged that the correctional system continues to experience growing pressure, with the inmate population increasing on a weekly basis. While courts have since resumed full operations and some movement has been observed in terms of releases, overall numbers within the system continue to rise.
The department indicated that overcrowding affects nearly all correctional facilities across the country, with many operating well beyond their approved capacity.
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