MPs sound alarm over 44 unnatural deaths in SA prisons in the first quarter

The South African Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) has reported a concerning rise in unnatural deaths and incidents of assaults in prisons during the first quarter of 2026. The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services expressed alarm over these findings during a review of the JICS' expenditure and performance for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.

In comparison to the previous quarter, there was a 25% increase in complaints, with 236 lodged in Q1 2026/2027, including 52 related to inmate-on-inmate assaults and 37 related to official-on-inmate assaults. The committee was informed that 44 unnatural deaths occurred during this period, a significant rise from the 24 reported in the first quarter of the previous year.

Of these, 39 were classified as "unnatural other-under investigation," and two as suicide by hanging. Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng emphasized the critical role of JICS in overseeing correctional facilities and ensuring compliance with human rights standards. Despite acknowledging progress in addressing vacancies, Ramolobeng expressed deep concern over the insufficient confirmation rate for unnatural deaths at 54.5% and natural deaths at 51.59%.

She called for urgent action to resolve the issues surrounding death reporting and stressed that repeated non-compliance by correctional facilities should result in serious consequences. The committee welcomed improvements in staffing, noting that JICS filled 310 of 330 approved positions by June 2026 and all 211 Independent Correctional Centre Visitor positions.

However, they expressed concern over the increase in state patients and the need for independent oversight to maintain accountability and respect for human rights in the correctional system.