Department of Correctional Services Witnesses Significant Reduction in Prison Escapes in 2022/23

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) reports a steep decline in prison escapes during the 2022/23 financial year, thanks to heightened security measures across the country's penal institutions. Currently, South Africa's prisons accommodate around 127,000 inmates, of which over 100,000 are serving sentences for their crimes.

During a briefing to Parliament on its annual report, DCS confirmed that the implementation of stricter security protocols resulted in a significant reduction in escape incidents. Compared to 117 reported escapes in 2021, the number plummeted by 90 incidents in the past financial year.

Chief Deputy Commissioner Joseph Katenga stated that of the 27 escape incidents throughout the current fiscal year, swift action led to 24 re-arrests. This figure represents a notable 90% re-arrest rate, with 70% of these re-captures taking place within five days of the escape incident. However, three escapees still remain at large, he added.

In addition to the reduction in escapes, Katenga noted that improved security measures also resulted in fewer assault incidents within prisons, with the figure decreasing from over 5,000 in 2021 to about 3,700 in the most recent year under scrutiny. These improvements are particularly significant considering the prison population grew by approximately 10,000 during that period. Furthermore, unnatural deaths in prisons have also seen a downturn.