South Africa’s (SA) inmate population has surged to more than 170 000, far exceeding the Department of Correctional Services’ approved bed capacity, National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has revealed.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Department’s Festive Season Security Operations, Thobakgale said the prison population peaked at 170 739 during the period, compared with an approved capacity of about 107 067 beds.
He described the figure as the highest recorded in recent years, placing severe strain on infrastructure, staffing, security management and the department’s budget. The pressure was further compounded by reduced court activity over the festive season.
Thobakgale also provided an update on investigations into security-related incidents in the Western Cape, noting that overcrowding continues to complicate effective prison management.
–ChannelAfrica–
