Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all BRANCH CORRECTIONS Parliament :Cape Town: 09 June 2006 Presentation by Department of Correctional Services to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT  To report to the portfolio Committee on the security measures and corrective action put in place to prevent the recurrence of incidents that occurred at Zonderwater Correctional Centre on 6th and 27 November 2005.

BACKGROUND Zonderwater - one of the Department’s 241 Correctional Centers Situated in Cullinan - 20km East of the city of Tshwane. It houses 2821 minimum and maximum sentence offenders. The facility was never meant to hold maximum security offender On the 6 November 2005, five offenders held officials hostage at the Hospital in an attempt to escape. This incident resulted in an injury to two inmates, one died at the scene and one official was also injured when the SAPS Special Task force was rescuing the hostages. The second incident followed on 27 November 2005 where four inmates pointed the toy gun which was hidden inside a radio at officials and members of the public at the visiting area and got access to the service firearm of one official at the Access Gate. The fire arm was used as a weapon to escape. This incident resulted in the death of one inmate during the exchange of fire with officials, and the other three inmates were re-captured. Neither the members of the public nor officials were injured during this incident.

Findings: Investigation  No proper movement control of offenders, officials and members of the public  No proper implementation of existing policy and procedures for e.g. searching.  Lack of clear mandate by Centre Management to responsible managers  Lack of leadership by management

Technological security measures (monitor movement of inmates and smuggling)  Biometric (fingerprint identification) and four turnstiles were installed  26 cameras within the centre was installed  Four metal detectors were installed  All these equipments are fully operational. Recommendations

Physical Security Measures  The installation of security fence around the Correctional Centres with taut wire.  Prison key locks to be replaced. Operational security measures  Maximum offenders not to be allowed to work in the Workshop.  Searching to be conducted at the main entrance gate, units and hospital.  Bagless society to be implemented  Security plan for protection of officials, offenders and service providers to be implemented.  Escape prevention strategies to be implemented.

The investigation report finalized on 2 May 2006 by Acting Regional Commissioner. Corrective measures were taken by the new Area Commissioner: Zonderwater prior to the finalization of the investigation report. Assessment of current situation

Movement of inmates between units - under strict supervision. 26 Cameras within the centre installed. Searching of inmates and officials improved. Biometric System (fingerprint identification) and four turnstiles installed. EST solely responsible for escorting high risk /profile inmates. Four metal detectors to prevent smuggling by officials and members of the public installed. Assessment of current situation Operational Measures

Security fence around the Correctional Centres with taut wire installed. Prison key locks replaced. The appointment of the Manager: Facilities and Security assisted to oversee the EST operations. This Manager is staying on the premises. The vacancy of the Area Co-ordinator Corrections at the Management Area has been filled by a Deputy Director to oversee all areas of Corrections. Adherence to policy and procedures Assessment of current situation Operational measures

Disciplinary Measures: Five staff members to be subjected to discipline for breaching security policies Some members are already suspended pending hearings New managers appointed in strategic positions Recommendations: 6 & 7 November Incident

LIMITATIONS The finalization of the SAPS investigation is still pending. Investigation was limited to security breaches only. Structural and policy changes are long terms solutions but they are being attended to.

Thank you Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all