South Africa’s parliament has demanded a full briefing from the Department of Correctional Services on ongoing investigations into unnatural inmate deaths and mistaken releases amid mounting concern over conditions in the country’s prisons.
The request was made by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, which has raised alarm over rising cases of unexplained fatalities and administrative errors leading to wrongful releases.
The committee said the department must account for its handling of these incidents when it appears before parliament early in 2026.
The demand comes as the department prepares to take over the running of two privately managed prisons – Mangaung Correctional Facility, notorious for the escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, and Kutama Correctional Facility.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald assured lawmakers that the department is ready to assume control of both centres.
Committee chairperson Kgomotso Ramoboleng cautioned that the transition should not lead to inefficiencies or budget mismanagement.
“It would be ideal if the take-over results in cost savings for the department. The take-over would be seamless if there is cooperation especially with regards to Mangaung, which is run by a consortium on whose behalf G4S manages the centre,” said Ramolobeng.
She stressed the importance of maintaining standards at the facilities and urged the department to present clear plans for risk mitigation and maintenance.
South Africa’s correctional system has faced scrutiny in recent years over recurring reports of unnatural deaths behind bars and administrative lapses that have allowed inmates to be released in error.
Lawmakers say these failures undermine public confidence in prison management and highlight systemic weaknesses in oversight.
APA/Oyenike Oyeniyi