The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised serious concerns about the monitoring and confirmation of deaths in correctional facilities following its engagement with the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) on its first-quarter expenditure and performance for the 2026/27 financial year.
The committee acknowledged the JICS’s critical role played as an independent oversight institution responsible for monitoring conditions in correctional centres, the treatment of inmates and compliance with human-rights standards. This includes oversight of deaths in custody, complaints, mechanical restraints and segregation.
While welcoming progress in stabilising the JICS and filling vacancies, the committee was concerned that several key performance targets were not achieved during the first quarter. These included targets relating to the confirmation of deaths, complaints received and referred, payments within 30 days, the representation of women and persons with disabilities in senior management and investigations.
Of particular concern was the low rate of confirmation of deaths in custody. JICS achieved a confirmation rate of 54.5% for unnatural deaths and 51.59% for natural deaths during the quarter. Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the figures required far greater attention, particularly given the state’s responsibility for people in its custody.
“The figures on deaths in custody require far more serious attention than what is being given. When a person dies in the custody of the state, there must be no uncertainty, no late paperwork and no administrative gaps. We are highly concerned. The death reporting failures must be dealt with urgently,” she said.
The committee was also concerned about the increase in unnatural deaths. JICS reported 44 unnatural deaths during the first quarter of 2026/27, compared with 24 in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Of the 44 cases, 39 were classified as “unnatural other – under investigation”, while two were recorded as suicides by hanging.
Committee Member Mr Janho Engelbrecht noted his concerns about the number of unnatural deaths, while another Committee Member, Mr Carl Niehaus, said that although the report showed progress in some areas, it also pointed to a worsening situation in correctional centres, particularly regarding the outstanding confirmation of deaths. He welcomed the reduction in the vacancy rate.
The increase in complaints was another area of concern. JICS received 236 complaints during the quarter, representing a 25% increase from the previous year. These included complaints relating to inmate-on-inmate assaults and assaults allegedly committed by officials against inmates.
Committee Member Mr Musawenkosi Gasa said the target for complaints had not been met, potentially leaving vulnerable people without a voice. He said the explanation that one region had reported late was unacceptable and sought clarity on what consequences for this were being taken.
The committee also noted that the JICS had conducted all 43 inspections targeted under its National Inspection Plan. However, five correctional centres were rated unsatisfactory, 37 satisfactory and only one was rated good. The committee indicated that it would require greater detail on the conditions identified at the poorly rated facilities and the extent to which the Department of Correctional Services had responded to JICS findings and recommendations.
Another concern was the increase in the number of state patients in correctional facilities, from 328 in the first quarter of 2025/26 to 423 in the corresponding quarter of 2026/27. The committee said the increase placed additional pressure on an already strained correctional system and underscored the need for appropriate care and placement of vulnerable people. Mr Niehaus asked if there was a coordinated strategy in place to address the rising number of state patients.
Despite these concerns, the committee welcomed progress in strengthening JICS’s organisational capacity, particularly the significant reduction in vacancies. It emphasised, however, that improved institutional capacity must translate into effective oversight and tangible improvements in correctional facilities.
Ms Ramolobeng said the committee would continue to monitor JICS and the Department of Correctional Services to ensure that oversight findings resulted in corrective action. “Independent oversight is essential to a correctional system founded on accountability, dignity and respect for human rights. The increase in complaints and unnatural deaths requires continued vigilance and effective follow-through on oversight findings,” she said.
The committee will continue to engage with the JICS and the department on outstanding performance targets, the confirmation and investigation of deaths in custody, inmate complaints and conditions at correctional facilities.
Rajaa Azzakani
21 August 2026
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