Question NW2341 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

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18 November 2016 - NW2341

Profile picture: Horn, Mr W

Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

How many offenders were referred for psychiatric evaluation in the 2015-16 financial year; 2) whether there was an increase in the number of offenders referred for psychiatric evaluation in the 2015-16 financial year as compared to the 2014-15 financial year; if so, why?

Reply:

1. During the 2015/16 financial year, 2 369 persons who were charged with a variety of criminal offences, were referred for psychiatric evaluation by the courts, according to the records held at the Department of Health in this regard.

2. Yes. There appears to be a very small increase in the number of persons (namely 4 more persons) that were charged and referred for psychiatric evaluation in the 2015/16 financial year compared to the previous 2014/15 financial year, where 2 365 persons were referred for psychiatric evaluation, according to the records held at the Department of Health in this regard. The number of persons that are charged and referred for psychiatric evaluation by the courts may differ from year to year as it is dependent on the assessments made by the courts as to whether there is a need for such referral for psychiatric evaluation.

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