Minister states that the cost of incarceration in South Africa is excessive
The Minister Groenewald aims to decrease the expenses related to incarceration in South Africa and alleviate the issue of overcrowding.
Pieter Groenewald, the newly appointed Minister of Correctional Services, aims to decrease the expenses associated with imprisonment in South Africa. “We have the situation where there are people in jail who cannot afford bail of R100. But the cost of incarceration in South Africa to the department is R400 per day,” says the Minister.
For reference, the cost of a South African Social Security Agency Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is just R370 per month. This stipend is aimed at Mzansi’s jobless with zero financial means. Meanwhile, by the Minister’s calculations, the cost of incarceration in South Africa works out to R12 000 per month.
COST OF INCARCERATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
According to an IOL report, Minister Groenewald wants to take drastic measures to curtail cost and overcrowding. However, because South Africa’s prisons are full, Groenewald says his department must hire additional staff to guard inmates. This will add yet-more cost to an already stressed budget.
“To address the overcrowding, more people must be employed to look after the prisoners. And, referring to remand detentions, we have to look at that matter. For instance, reducing the amount of remand detainees awaiting trial. We will see how we can reduce the approximately 60 000 awaiting-trail inmates in our facilities,” confirmed Groenewald.
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF PRISONERS
Furthermore, the Minister says he will be meeting different organisations that represent the rights of inmates. He believes that the rights of the incarcerated should be respected. “My policy is that I will have an open door to see how we all can play a role. We must ensure we have the best possible conditions in our prisons,” said the Minister.
However, this will more than likely increase the cost of incarceration in South Africa above the current R400 per day. Moreover, the Minister says his department requires new, hi-tech equipment. The type, for example, that will ensure signal is cut to prisoners who are in possession of illegal cellphones.