Latest News & Developments
prisons
Contraband smuggling attempt at St Albans Correctional Centre leads to arrest
A woman visiting St Albans Correctional Centre was arrested for attempting to smuggle dagga, a phone charger and earphones into the facility.
Fighting for freedom: South African families battling for their children locked up in foreign jails
South African parents grapple with the emotional turmoil of having children imprisoned abroad, often facing a lack of government support and relying on NGOs for assistance.
NSPCA alleges animal starvation due to Correctional Services' cost-cutting measures
As budget cuts hit correctional services, the NSPCA raises alarms over the dire conditions faced by farm animals in South Africa.
Nutrition experts revamp meal plans for South African prisoners
The Department of Correctional Services has enlisted nutrition experts to enhance the dietary standards for prisoners, amending their meal plans to ensure a balanced diet.
Pieter Groenewald steps down as FF Plus leader to focus on ministerial duties
Pieter Groenewald resigns as leader of the FF Plus to dedicate his efforts to the role of Minister of Correctional Services, highlighting the need for new leadership and addressing pressing issues within South Africa's prison system.
Urgent measures needed to tackle contraband in correctional facilities
To date, more than 41 000 cellphones, over R200 000 proceeds of illicit drugs had been confiscated, and 64 correctional services officials have been implicated in illegal acts.
Joburg’s great escape: how global prisons stack up in the game of incarceration
Delve into the striking disparities of global prison systems, from the rehabilitative Cebu Prison to the infamous Guantanamo Bay, and examine the repercussions of recent occurrences in Johannesburg.
Westville Prison inmates protest food shortages and quality
Inmates at Westville Prison allege severe food shortages and poor quality, prompting calls for investigation into human rights violations.
Westville Prison inmates protest food shortages and quality
Inmates at Westville Prison allege severe food shortages and poor quality, prompting calls for investigation into human rights violations.
MP’s slam Correctional Services presentation on Thabo Bester report
The Public Protector gave the department 30 days to develop an escape prevention strategy, and guidelines for the Mangaung correctional facility.
Urgent action needed: the crisis of police murders and state capture in South Africa
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya reveals shocking statistics on police murders and State Capture investigations in South Africa, underscoring the urgent need for action against crime and corruption.
Legal team claims Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ cell was illegally searched by investigators
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces serious allegations as his lawyers claim federal investigators conducted an illegal search of his cell, seizing privileged materials.
Inside the life of a South African prison educator: overcoming challenges to inspire change
Explore the inspiring journeys of South African prison educators committed to inmate rehabilitation through education, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
SA Prisoners achieve 96. 2% matric pass rate
South African prisoners achieve a remarkable 96. 2% pass rate in the 2024 Matric exams, with 13 schools reaching a 100% pass rate, showcasing the transformative power of education.
George mother's ongoing battle for daughter's release from Thai prison continues
In a heartfelt plea, Lynnette Blignaut discusses her efforts to navigate the legal system in Thailand to bring her daughter, Ashley, back home.
Man sentenced to 20 years for armed robbery in KwaZulu-Natal
Fano Sibisi has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery and related charges, following a dramatic arrest that uncovered stolen vehicles and firearms.
Correctional Services would need R63 billion to build new prisons to ease overcrowding
Groenewald said with an average overcrowding rate of approximately 46%, there was an urgent need to construct or regain a total of 50 000 bed spaces.
KwaZulu-Natal man sentenced to six life terms for killing relatives
A KwaZulu-Natal man has been sentenced to six life terms for the murder of six relatives, including two children, in a tragic incident linked to witchcraft accusations.
Reckless driving on the N3 toll route: statistics reveal a crisis
The N3 Toll Concession reveals alarming statistics on road safety, highlighting a significant rise in crashes due to reckless driving. This article explores the implications and calls for a change in driver behaviour.
UK government to build four new prisons to ease overcrowding
The UK government announced plans on Wednesday to build four new prisons by 2031 to ease an overcrowding crisis, which triggered the early releases of hundreds of inmates this year.
'South African prisons are a hub for crime': DA calls for cabinet intervention for increased contraband in prisons
South African prisons are facing a severe contraband crisis, with nearly a thousand kilograms of drugs and thousands of weapons seized. The DA calls for urgent Cabinet intervention to address the escalating problem.
Prison overcrowding crisis: R36 billion needed to build new prisons, says minister
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has revealed in a written Parliamentary reply the urgent need for 50,000 beds, as overcrowding in prison facilities has reached its critical level at the country’s prisons.
Sergeant Mzila: the hero behind 79 life sentences for sexual predators
Discover how Sergeant Edward Mndeni Mzila’s relentless investigations have resulted in the conviction of 50 sexual predators, securing 79 life sentences and 1 336 years of imprisonment in KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN man sentenced to five life terms for the murder of his relatives
Mlamuli Mondli Khoza has been sentenced to five life terms for the brutal murder of five relatives in KwaZulu-Natal, following a guilty plea that revealed a tragic backstory.
No parole for serial rapist
Magistrate Sharon Marks found that Mohamed was still a “dangerous criminal, posed a danger to the physical and mental well-being of people and “communities must be protected from him”.