A prison sentence should never become a death sentence
A sentence of imprisonment is a deprivation of liberty for a specified period, with rehabilitation and reintegration into society as its ultimate objectives. It must never become a sentence to violence, torture, neglect or even death.
The brief highlights the Daily Maverick's concern over the increasing number of unnatural deaths in South African correctional centres. Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, a member of Parliament and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, emphasizes that imprisonment should never become a death sentence, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates must be the primary objectives.
The Correctional Services Act requires the department to ensure the safe custody of inmates, maintain security, and good order in correctional centres. However, the Portfolio Committee has expressed increasing concern about the number of unnatural deaths and delays in establishing the causes and circumstances of these deaths. The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) reported a significant increase in unnatural deaths during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, from 24 in the previous year to 44 in the current quarter.
While the JICS confirmed only 54.5% of unnatural deaths and 51.59% of natural deaths, the committee raised concerns about prolonged delays in investigating and reporting these incidents, as well as administrative gaps and failures in death reporting. The lack of clear processes, proper records, and reasonable timelines for investigating and confirming deaths in custody further exacerbates the issue, making it difficult for families to receive information and for Parliament to perform its oversight role.
Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
