The chairperson of Parliament’s Correctional Services committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng has expressed concern over the ratio of prison wardens to inmates.
The issue was raised during a committee meeting on Tuesday, where the Department of Correctional Services discussed the implementation of remedial actions recommended by the Public Protector following the escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester in 2022.
Bester escaped from the privately-owned Mangaung Correctional Centre after allegedly faking his death by setting a body alight in his cell.
The Public Protector recommended, among other things, an escape prevention strategy and guidelines for handling corruption reports or whistleblowing.
According to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, the ideal ratio should be two wardens for every 20 inmates. However, the current ratio is one warden for every 20 inmates.
Ramolobeng describes the situation as alarming, saying, “The national Commissioner’s report is a worrying factor. Yes, the increase in inmates is not within the department’s control, but a ratio of 1 to 20 is seriously concerning. We need to address this matter to ensure the safety of officials is not compromised.”
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