The use of cellular phones by inmates, smuggling of contraband, and overcrowding were particular concerns highlighted by the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services during an oversight visit to the Goodwood Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.
The committee, on its first oversight visit of the 7th Parliament, decided to visit the correctional centre after videos made by an inmate at the centre went viral on social media early this month.
Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, the Committee Chairperson, was reported as saying, “The content loaded on social media by a specific inmate at Goodwood is also the reason we selected this centre first. How did he obtain the cell phone and manage to upload content on a social media account for so long without being found?”
The committee was informed that the inmate had stored a cell phone inside a radio, which he had permission to use. Further, it was revealed the inmate had been posting videos for approximately three months. The cell phone was subsequently confiscated, and the centre underwent a security threat and risk assessment. Two surprise searches were conducted, resulting in 28 cell phones and other contraband being seized.
“We commend the department for this action. It seems it is necessary to do these random unexpected searches. Inmates who break the laws inside our centres should be dealt with decisively. It is important to ascertain whether they had assistance from family, officials or contractors delivering good to centres,” said Ramolobeng.
Committee member Mr Damien Klopper questioned the incident, asking “why was the inmate’s application for a radio approved?” He further expressed concerns about the CCTV cameras in the centre, which are currently not functional, but officials promised would be brought “back to life”.
Mr Erald Cloete, committee Member, inquired on how regularly the DCS conducts surprise raids at facilities and committee Member Ms Betty Diale raised concerns about the perimeter fence, which is not maintained by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The committee was accompanied during the visit by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services and other officials. The group visited cells housing remand detainees and sentenced offenders, followed by the kitchen, health facilities, library and the centre’s in-house court, reported Rajaa Azzakani for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
The DCS and the centre management briefed the committee about its current 53% overcrowding rate. The centre houses a total of 2 497 inmates; however, it only has an approved bed space for 1 651 inmates. The centre currently has a staff vacancy rate of 15.25% with 56 vacant posts.
Ramolobeng reflected on the visit, saying “The kitchen was clean. The health facility has a doctor daily on duty. We raised concern about the overcrowding. We realised that this is not a new thing and that severe budget cuts to the department of the years impacted on this.”
Remarking on the in-house court, Ramolobeng said “The inhouse-based court is the first of its kind. It is a groundbreaking initiative and has cost and security benefits for the department. This is indeed a good story to tell.”
Ramolobeng informed the centre management this is just the first visit and to expect unannounced visits in future.