Correctional Services Dept bemoans budget cuts that affect security at prisons

CAPE TOWN - The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says budget cuts have affected security at prisons and other operations.

Parliament's correctional services committee has on Wednesday conducted an oversight visit at Goodwood prison.

This after a prisoner there, recently posted a video on social media bragging about living a "soft life" behind bars.

The DCS says it's lost over R12 billion in budget cuts over the past five years, adding that this has affected security and other operations.

In addition, adds DCS, hundreds of officials are acting in management positions across South Africa.

The DCS' Deputy Minister - Lindiwe Ntshalintshali - has also blamed the slow pace of the justice system, with case delays creating a backlog of awaiting trial prisoners.

“Previously, it was justice and correctional, so correctional was a bit suffering because it didn’t receive the necessary attention but now as a stand alone department, we will be focussing on our challenges. Hence we also must have that session with treasury. We had an extended Lekgotla where we have raised these issues.”

Ntshalintshali maintains some of the department's challenges are brought by other security sector departments such as police and justice.