Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons Reports: briefing

Meeting report

Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons Pollsmoor report on Unnatural Deaths in Pollsmoor Prison (23 August 2004)
Report on Consensual Sex decision
Opinion on consensual sex in Prisons

SUMMARY
The Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons briefed Members on recent violent incidents at Pollsmoor prison and on consensual sex between prisoners. A Special Sitting of the National Assembly at 11h00 necessitated a postponement of the meeting due to insufficient time. The seriousness of the incidents where people died demanded the full attention of Members. The follow-up meeting would contain Department of Correctional Services representatives and Judicial Inspectorate officials to answer concerns and explain procedures followed. Members would use the additional time to enhance preparation and confirm legislative provisions.

MINUTES
The Chairperson stated that two reports had been received from the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons that required intense consideration. However, the Special Sitting of Parliament for the Judge President at 11h00 necessitated a shortened meeting. He advocated that the present meeting be postponed so that ample time could be allocated to the subject matter at a later date. The reports dealt with serious issues that demanded scrutiny from Members. An additional report from the Inspectorate was needed on consensual sex within prisons. Members needed to decide on a suitable date for the follow-up meeting.

Mr J Selfe (DA) agreed that insufficient time remained and suggested that Members consider three aspects of the report at a suitable new date. Members should note the seriousness of the incidents concerned and the various investigations completed; the procedures followed by the Inspectorate and allegations levelled at Department representatives; and the Inspectorate’s mandate in conducting such investigations. Dialogue should be facilitated between the Inspectorate, the Department and other stakeholders to provide clear definitions of responsibilities and powers. Competing investigations could result in confusion. He recommended that the reports' authors and Department representatives be present at the follow-up meeting.

Members suggested that the Committee Secretary determine the appropriate meeting date. The accountability of the Inspectorate had to be investigated by Members.

The Chairperson concurred that the Department should be present at the Inspectorate meeting to render insight. The mandate of the Inspectorate in conducting the investigation would have to be elucidated. He requested that Members prepare thoroughly for the proposed meeting by revisiting the Correctional Services Act and be well-informed on pertinent matters. Documentation from presenters would be available to Members one week in advance in future to facilitate oversight and adequate preparation.

The meeting was adjourned.

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
10 June 2005
JUDICIAL INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS REPORTS: BRIEFING

Chairperson: Mr D Bloem (ANC)

Documents handed out: