Committee Programme: adoption; CMax Visit: discussion

Correctional Services

23 January 2007
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CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
23 January 2007
COMMITTEE PROGRAMME: ADOPTION; CMAX VISIT: DISCUSSION

Chairperson:
Mr D Bloem (ANC)

Document handed out
Draft Committee Programme

SUMMARY
The Committee adopt its draft programme for the first term, with amendments. Members discussed plans for its upcoming visits to the Brandvlei Correctional Centre on Wednesday 24 January, and to CMax on Thursday 25 January.
 
MINUTES
Introductory remarks by the Chairperson
The Chairperson cordially welcomed Members to their first sitting of the year. Thereafter, he reminded Members of the challenge the Committee faced and repeated the President's commitment to reduce crime and poverty. He charged Members to work harder and to be at the centre in fighting these concerns. He concluded that the Committee needed to give direction and guidance to the Department.

Draft Programme
The Chairperson asked Members to survey the document and make any amendments. He proposed the removal of the Jali report from the agenda for today’s meeting. He preferred that this be discussed at the next meeting and he emphasised that this was only a draft programme and was therefore subject to change.

Mr J Selfe (DA) insisted that the Committee invite the Area Commissioner of Malmesbury Prison and the Chairperson of the Parole Board for a briefing. He motivated that the Committee needed to interrogate the controversies surrounding Mr Tony Yengeni's incarceration.

Ms S Seaton (IFP) endorsed this position. Thereafter, she queried about the status of Committee Report on its visit to the Durban Westville Prison.

The Chairperson said that this report was important because it dealt with irregularities at the prison.

Mr S Mahote (ANC) noted that a decision taken the previous year to organise a workshop with all stakeholders was not included in the draft programme.

The Chairperson asked the Committee Secretary to look into this. He noted that the programme would in all likelihood see further changes as time went on. He noted that the programme was adopted, with amendments.

CMax Escape during November 2006
The Chairperson conveyed his concern regarding the escape of Annanias Mathe from CMax. He stressed that this was a serious incident and remarked that that there was a question mark about the security there.

Mr N Fihla (ANC) recalled some weaknesses he identified during his previous visit at CMax. He felt that the position of the entrance gate and the parking facilities were problematic.

The Chairperson replied that the position of the entrance gate had changed. He explained that the purpose of the upcoming visit to CMax on Thursday 25 January was to inspect the escape route and gain clarification and not to engage in any discussion. He hoped that this exercise would arm the Committee with information before they interact with the Minister of Correctional Services.

Ms Z Nawa (ANC) enquired whether the Committee would see Annanias Mathe.

The Chairperson answered in the affirmative.

Ms W Ngwenya (ANC) asked if the Committee was going to meet with the CMax station commander.

The Chairperson revealed that the Minister had set up a task team, comprising of the National Iintelligence Agency, Crime Intelligence and Correctional Services, to investigate the issue. He believed that the Committee would be guided by this team and therefore did not require a briefing from the CMaz station commander.

Mr S Mahote wondered whether the Minister would be ready to answer questions at their meeting or whether a postponement or the sub judice principle would frustrate matters.

The Chairperson replied that the concerns expressed were legitimate. However, he was confident that the Minister would provide a report on this matter when they met.

The Chairperson asked the Committee Secretary to brief Members on the logistics for the visits to Brandvlei and CMax prisons.

Mr S Mzanwa, Department of Correctional Services Parliamentary Liaison Officer, assured the Committee that all the arrangements were on track. Also, he informed the Committee about some of the changes (new Chief Deputy Commissioner's appointed) at the top management in the Department.

The Chair thanked him for this information. He noted that the committee had never visited head office and expected to remedy this shortly. Lastly, he opined that the management structure was too big.

The Chairperson's concluding remarks focused on the importance of doing follow-ups and ensuring that recommendations are implemented.

The Chair thanked all Member’s for their participation and expression satisfaction with the level of attendance.

The meeting was adjourned. 



 

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