Johannesburg -
The department of Correctional Services intends to intensify security at all its facilities during the festive season to prevent inmates from escaping.
Spokesman Logan Maistry however said there had been no recorded attempts or escapes this year.
The last escape at the Kgosi Mampuru II facility was when serial escapist, Ananias Mathe escaped in 2006.
The Kokstad Prison in KwaZulu-Natal where Mathe is now kept has not had an escape since its inception in 2002.
“With the festive season, the department is again faced with security and safety challenges unique to this period of the year.
This is, generally, a period during which inmates are desperate to escape for various reasons, which may include to participate in criminal activities or simply to be with family or friends.
“For this reason special emphasis is placed on security measures in correctional centres during December and January, with increased visibility and involvement of managers at all levels in the operational activities at the country’s 243 correctional centres,” Maistry said.
Other law enforcement agencies such as the SAPS and emergency services would play a role in achieving this objective.
Maistry said they would limit recreation activities outside the secure areas through Operation Vala.
“Offenders will not be allowed to participate in activities that would require them to leave the correctional centre or involve mass external partners.
“Offenders will participate in indoor sports activities.”
Maistry also warned that members of the public who would aid prisoners in escaping would be prosecuted.
Pretoria News