Question NW539 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Reply:

1. Yes, gang related incidents were experienced during the last six (6) months at Correctional Centres A, B and C at Boksburg Management Area. Prevalent gangs involved in gang incidents include the RAF 3, Big 5, 26 and 28 Gangs.

(2)(a)(i) One (1) inmate died in November 2015 in Boksburg Medium A following an assault of an “inmate on inmate” with a sharpened object.

1. (a)(ii) – Yes, see table below.

(2)(b)(i) No officials died due to the violence.

(2)(b)(ii) – No officials were injured due to the violence.

(2) date of incident and centre	(2) Description	Number of inmates involved	2(a)(ii) number of inmates injured	(1) gangs involved
2015.10.10 Centre A	Inmate assaulted two (2) other inmates. Both victims sustained laceration injuries.	3	2	26 and 28 gang
2015.10.13 Centre A	Two (2) inmates assaulted one (1) inmate by hitting him with padlocks on his head.	3	1	26 and 28 gang
2015.10.15 Centre A	Two (2) inmates were stabbed by two (2) inmates with sharpened objects.	4	2	26 gang
2015.11.09 Centre C	Five (5) inmates assaulted one (1) inmate.	6	1	26 gang
2015.11.12 Centre A	Three (3) inmates fought amongst themselves with self-made knives.	3	3	RAF 3
2015.11.14 Centre B	Four (4) inmates stabbed two (2) inmates.	6	2	26 and 28 gang
2015.11.16 Centre A	Two (2) inmates assaulted one (1) inmate with a sharpened object and one (1) of the perpetrators was also injured.	3	2	28 gang and Big 5
2015.11.16 Centre B	Three (3) inmates assaulted one (1) inmate with a sharpen objet.	4	1	28 and 26 gang
2015.12.25 Centre C	Three (3) inmates assaulted each other	3	3	26 and 28 gang
2016.02.18 Centre A	Two (2) inmates stabbed one (1) inmate.	3	1	RAF 4 and Big 5
2016.02.29 Centre C	Ten (10) inmates assaulted each other.	10	10	and 28 gang

(3)(a) There is ongoing gang profiling in order to ensure improved management of gang dynamics in the correctional centre. The awareness of officials is raised on a regular basis to ensure constant vigilance and emphasis is placed on the effective management of offender complaints and requests. The utilisation of the gang management tools – especially the gang management checklist for utilisation at correctional centre level – is encouraged.

(3)(b) All inmates are made aware of the negative consequences of gangs in a correctional setting as part of the induction process and through ongoing engagement at unit level. As a matter of standard procedure all acts of violence (including those that arise due to gang activities) are investigated internally and this results in the guilty parties having their privileges reviewed. Offenders who pose a risk to the safety of other inmates are placed in single cells for closer monitoring.

It is also normal procedure that where there are injuries the cases of attempted assault, assault, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and attempted murder or murder are reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation and pursuit of criminal charges. In many instances, however, most victims refuse to press criminal charges. Offenders who are found guilty of criminal offences will have their sentences prolonged or parole and release dates reviewed accordingly.

The Department is also working hard at ensuring that gang activities in correctional centres are dealt with in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (where possible and in liaison with the SAPS) as has been the case in regions like the Western Cape. The Department will also explore how the provisions of the Dangerous Weapons Act 15 of 2013 can be applied to gangs in correctional centres.