Question NW1185 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
03 May 2023 - NW1185
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With regard to the breach of contract by G4S in the Mangaung Correctional Services Centre, where the contract with G4S will not extend beyond 2026, what alternative measures have been taken to ensure the smooth transition of prisoners from the specified correctional services centre to another without causing overcrowding?
Reply:
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is currently exploring several options relating to the takeover from the Contractor (G4S) and all of these options require Costing of the daily operations of the Correctional Centre, which amongst others include salaries of the employees as well as the maintenance of the Centre as a whole.
The current plan includes amongst others, a process whereby DCS will be working directly with the Contractor (G4S) 12 months prior to the end of the Contract to assist its employees to acclimatise and accustom themselves to the Centre as it is operating differently from DCS run Correctional Facilities. This will facilitate for smooth transition from G4S to DCS.
DCS does not intend to move offenders out of the PPP facility as it will continue to serve as part of the available accommodation, as such there will be no overcrowding impact on any other centre as a result of the take over of the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
END