Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised concerns over safety and operational challenges in South Africa’s prison system following an oversight visit to the Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
During the visit, committee members flagged issues including prison escapes, unnatural inmate deaths, overcrowding, gang activity, staff shortages and the smuggling of contraband.
The committee received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services on recent incidents and broader challenges affecting facilities in the Western Cape, along with plans to address them.
Particular concern was raised over multiple escapes and wrongful releases reported at Pollsmoor Prison in recent months, which have intensified scrutiny around prison security.
Although investigations into these incidents are under way, no disciplinary action has yet been taken against those involved.
Committee members also conducted a walkabout of the Drakenstein facility to assess conditions and identify operational challenges firsthand.
The oversight visit forms part of ongoing efforts by Parliament to strengthen accountability and improve conditions within the country’s correctional system.
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