Eyewitness News: Dept. concerned about imprisoned minors

Regan Thaw | 31 August 2012

CAPE TOWN - Correctional Services on Friday expressed concern about the high number of youths behind bars.

Over 53,000 young South Africans are currently serving prison sentences around the country.

Minors constitute around 33 percent of the country's total prison population.

Correctional services' Logan Maistry said in line with the Child Justice Act, efforts have been made to improve rehabilitation programmes and to introduced alternatives to custodial sentences.

But he added it is worrying so many minors have been convicted for serious offences.

“It is extremely concerning that children, who normally should not be in our facilities, have committed serious crimes ranging from murder, rape and theft.”

A number of miners have been arrested for rape in recent months.

In April, a 17-year-old girl was gang raped by a group of youths.

The 10-minute cell phone video footage went viral throughout the country.

(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)

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