The festive season is just around the corner. It is that time of the year that every one of us wants to spend with family and friends. During this time, even convicts in correctional centres get so desperate to escape from prisons to spend Christmas with loved ones that they would do anything to get out of prison.
The festive period poses a serious challenge for the Department of Correctional Services and officials decided several years ago to tighten security with the introduction of a strategy called Operation Vala.
The annual campaign runs from 25 November 2015 until 14 January 2016.
According to the department, the campaign does not only focus on escapes, but also on hostage takings, arson and the security risks these bring to the safety and security of staff, inmates and service providers.
“The festive season is generally the period during which offenders are desperate to escape for various reasons that include either participating in criminal activities or simply the desire to enjoy the festive mood with family and friends.
Operation Vala is a campaign of sustained and heightened security at all 240 operational correctional centres in South Africa, with specific security measures employed to curb and deter any security risk to the department at operational level.”
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Operation Vala campaign recently, Correctional Chief Deputy Commissioner James Smalberger explained that the campaign is meant to ensure a concerted effort for a safer festive season.
He said during this period, the department is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at all South Africa’s 243 correctional centres.
Commissioner Smalberger explained that during this year’s campaign, there will be an increased cooperation with the various other law enforcement agencies.
“As DCS, we are proud to report a consistent reduction in the number of escapes from correctional centres across the country,” he said.
According to the latest DCC annual report, the Department managed to reduce escapes to 0.031% with 99.97% of the country’s 159,563 inmates remaining behind bars.
Forty nine escapes were reported last year compared to 60 the previous year and the majority of these escapees are back behind bars.
“The majority of our Correctional Officials must be commended for this remarkable achievement. We know that there are a small minority of unscrupulous officials, who themselves are criminals masquerading in DCS uniform, who will sacrifice these noble goals, for a safer and secure South Africa, for a quick buck on the altar of greed.
“We want to repeat our warnings to such officials that your days are numbered, and you will not only be investigated, disciplined and dismissed but will be criminally prosecuted, and will have to swap your brown uniform for the orange ones,” Commissioner Smalberger said.
Commissioner Smalberger expressed concern on an increase in members of the public aiding inmates to commit further criminal offences.
He warned that those found to be on the wrong side of the law would be arrested.
As part of beefing-up security, body scanning equipment are being installed at Kgoši Mampuru II, Johannesburg, Pollsmoor, St. Albans, Durban Westville, Groenpunt and Barberton.
This includes rolling out of cell phone detection systems at new-generation correctional facilities which includes Tswelopele in Kimberley and Brandvlei in the Western Cape.
Focus areas for Operation Vala include tightening security measures at correctional centres, increased supervision of officials as well as decreasing idleness amongst inmates.
During the campaign, the department applies limitations on offender movements as well as certain food and other items. – SAnews.gov.za
