Alarm Raised Over Slow Pace of Processing Remand Detainees

Dear Editor

The DA is shocked by the inhumane conditions remand detainees at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility are housed in.

An oversight visit by the Select Committee on Security and Justice this week highlighted the severe inefficiencies in the Criminal Justice System, particularly the strain the inordinate amount of remand detainees places on correctional facilities.

The DA calls on Ministers of Justice and Correctional Services, Thembi Simelane and Pieter Groenewald, to urgently fast-track the use of virtual hearings, where these are possible, as a first step towards addressing the issue of remand detainees. This will also help reduce the risk involved in the transportation of prisoners and contribute to cost-cutting.

During the visit to Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in Tokai on Wednesday, Members of Parliament were shown various sections of the precinct, including the sick bay, mother-and-baby unit, and A-section. Amongst other things, MPs found that a dentist only visits the prison facility once per month and that historical issues with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure contributed to the visible lack of maintenance, which directly results in the overcrowding issue.

It was, however, DA MP Nicholas Gotsell’s insistence on being shown the B and C sections, originally not part of the formal programme, which raised eyebrows and had correctional services officials on the back foot.

Detention conditions consistent with human dignity, including adequate accommodation and medical treatment, are rights enshrined in the Constitution. The unannounced tour revealed inhumane conditions inconsistent with the provisions contained in the Bill of Rights and led to uncomfortable questions by the DA’s representative in the oversight committee.

The inhumane conditions which remand detainees, who are presumed innocent until they are found guilty, are subjected to include no mattresses on the few beds in cells which houses detainees upon their return from court, a flooded corridor, and filthy bathrooms and toilets.

Insofar as they pertain to sentenced prisoners, these conditions are not conducive to rehabilitation and must be addressed by the Minister of Correctional Services and the National Commissioner immediately.

It is disappointing that the Department chose to hide the real issues facing the facility. The Select Committee can only do its oversight duty when it is presented with all the facts on the table. The DA will continue its oversight role in prisons to ensure that all offenders – awaiting trial or sentenced – are treated with dignity, so they can be suitably reformed and released back into their community with the ability to positively contribute to it

Regards

Nicholas Gotsell MP
DA Member on the Select Committee on Security and Justice