IOL Logo
Saturday, June 7, 2025

Latest News & Developments

correctional services

Bail Fund pilot project for prisoners to be launched in WC

Families in South Africa are hesitant to pay bail for juvenile offenders, fearing potential community disruption. The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services explores a proposed Bail Fund aimed at assisting 'prisoners of poverty' while addressing public safety concerns, sparking a crucial debate on justice and community safety.

Cape Times News
Zainul Dawood|Published

Why families choose detention over bail for juvenile offenders

Families in South Africa are hesitant to pay bail for juvenile offenders, fearing potential community disruption. The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services explores a proposed Bail Fund aimed at assisting 'prisoners of poverty' while addressing public safety concerns, sparking a crucial debate on justice and community safety.

News South Africa Kwazulu Natal
Zainul Dawood|Published

Minister to meet with officials over missing inmates at Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre

DA demands immediate accountability from Correctional Services and Justice Ministers following the alarming disappearance of three inmates from Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre, raising significant public safety concerns.

Cape Times News
Manyane Manyane|Published

Concerns raised over proposed fund to help poor awaiting-trial prisoners

Portfolio Committee raises concerns over community readiness for proposed bail fund.

News Politics
IOL Reporter|Published

DA raises alarm over missing inmates at Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for accountability regarding the alarming number of missing inmates at the Pollsmoor juvenile centre, raising concerns about safety and oversight.

Cape Argus News
Manyane Manyane|Published

DA demands accountability for missing inmates at Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre

DA demands immediate accountability from Correctional Services and Justice Ministers following the alarming disappearance of three inmates from Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre, raising significant public safety concerns.

News South Africa
Manyane Manyane|Published

Convicted offender Mikyle Mentoor re-arrested while accomplice remains at large

A convicted offender, Mikyle Mentoor, has been re-arrested by Manenberg Police, but his accomplice, Me-Khayle Timmie, remains at large. This incident highlights serious communication failures within South Africa's correctional services.

Cape Argus News
Genevieve Serra|Published

Sentencing proceedings commence in Joshlin Smith case

The Western Cape High Court will begin sentencing in the high-profile Joshlin Smith case this week.

Cape Times News
Chevon Booysen|Published

Western Cape High Court ready for sentencing in Joshlin Smith case

Next week, the Western Cape High Court will begin sentencing in the high-profile Joshlin Smith case, as Judge Nathan Erasmus confronts troubling delays in police transport that have marred the proceedings.

News Crime and Courts
Chevon Booysen|Published

South Africa’s call to the UN over dangers of cybercrime and organised crime

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald emphasises the importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime and announces South Africa’s initiative to create a National Transnational Organised Crime Strategy during the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice session.

Cape Times News
Thobeka Ngema|Published

South Africa’s call to the UN over dangers of cybercrime and organised crime

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald emphasises the importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime and announces South Africa’s initiative to create a National Transnational Organised Crime Strategy during the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice session.

News South Africa
Thobeka Ngema|Published

Murder investigation launched after inmate's brutal death at Goodwood Prison

Following the tragic death of Quinton 'Questions' Fortuin at Goodwood Prison, a murder investigation has been launched amid allegations of severe abuse by prison officials. The family seeks justice as disturbing evidence emerges.

Cape Argus News
Mahira Duval|Published

KZN’s call for stricter penalties against drunk driving sparks debate

KwaZulu-Natal MEC Siboniso Duma proposes a six-year prison sentence for drunk driving, sparking a debate on road safety and the effectiveness of harsher penalties.

News South Africa
Gcwalisile Khanyile|Updated

Family, prisoners for human rights welcomes arrests of G4S officials over inmate murder

The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) has lauded the recent arrest of four officials from G4S Mangaung prison, following the suspicious death of inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni. The 39-year-old, serving a life sentence, tragically died on March 12 after being rushed to the facility's in-house hospital. Initial reports indicated that Mkhumbeni collapsed in his cell, but conflicting accounts from G4S staff prompted the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to launch a thorough investigation.

News Crime and Courts
Siyabonga Sithole|Published

'You do not have a right to complain,’ inmates told during Pollsmoor Prison oversight visit

During an oversight visit to Pollsmoor Prison, juvenile inmates voiced their concerns about the dire conditions they face, prompting a controversial response from the committee chairperson.

Cape Argus News
Mahira Duval|Published

Singing for redemption? Brickz's gospel performance in prison leaves social media users divided

A recent video of Kwaito star Brickz performing with inmates in a prison choir has sparked a heated debate on social media about rehabilitation and second chances.

Entertainment Celebrity News
Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

How prison officials attempted to conceal murder of inmate

The Department of Correctional Services confirms the unnatural death of inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni at Mangaung Correctional Centre, sparking an investigation into alleged torture and misconduct by prison officials.

Cape Times News
IOL|Published

Investigation launched after inmate's death from pepper spray at Mangaung Correctional Centre

The Department of Correctional Services confirms the unnatural death of inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni at Mangaung Correctional Centre, sparking an investigation into alleged torture and misconduct by prison officials.

News South Africa
Published

Contraband smuggling attempt at St Albans Correctional Centre leads to arrest

A woman visiting St Albans Correctional Centre was arrested for attempting to smuggle dagga, a phone charger and earphones into the facility.

News Crime and Courts
Thobeka Ngema|Published

Staggering drug and weapon confiscation statistics highlight prison corruption in Western Cape

Recent statistics reveal alarming levels of drug and weapon confiscations in Western Cape prisons, raising serious concerns about corruption among officials and the ongoing crisis within the correctional system

Cape Argus News
Mahira Duval|Published

SA justice system under pressure: 16 000 bail absconders and rising repeat offences

South Africa's criminal justice system faces mounting challenges as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu reveals over 16 000 accused persons are evading bail conditions. Adding to the crisis, more than 18 000 parolees have been re-arrested for new offences, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current rehabilitation programmes and bail monitoring systems.

News Politics
Mayibongwe Maqhina|Published