Proposed amendments to the Correctional Services Act that would enable prisoner exchanges and facilitate foreign nationals — particularly those serving life sentences — returning to their countries of origin have been endorsed by Parliament’s correctional services committee.
Business Day reports that overcrowding and rising costs have been cited as key concerns.
Committee chair Kgomotso Ramolobeng confirmed yesterday: “With more than 13,000 foreign nationals in our prison system, this move will help ease overcrowding and reduce the R11m daily strain on taxpayers.”
The committee noted more than 12,000 of these detainees were awaiting trial, and were often unable to afford bail.
Ramolobeng added: “We also encourage the minister to engage with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure closer collaboration during the review of the Act.”
Business Day notes that the Department of Correctional Services manages nearly 163,000 inmates, many housed in overcrowded facilities.
[Image: Džoko Stach from Pixabay]