Parliament, Tuesday, 18 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised concerns about ongoing challenges in the correctional system following its consideration of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) first-quarter expenditure and performance for 2026/27, raising concerns about the monitoring of deaths.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee recognises JICS’s critical role as an independent oversight body responsible for monitoring conditions in correctional centres, the treatment of inmates and compliance with human rights standards, through monitoring deaths, mechanical restraints, segregation and complaints, among other things.
She said although the committee commends the strides made by JICS, particularly in filling of vacancies to stabilise the institution, it still missed several key targets. “Particularly on deaths confirmation, complaints received and referred, payments within 30 days, women representation in senior management, disability representation and the investigation indicator,” the Chairperson noted.
The committee is particularly concerned about trends in complaints and deaths. “The figures on death in custody requires far more serious attention that what is being given. JICS only achieved 54.5% confirmation for unnatural deaths and 51.59% for confirmation of natural deaths. When a person dies in custody of the state, there must be no uncertainty, no late paperwork and no administrative gaps that should be identified. We are highly concerned. The death reporting failures must be dealt with urgently. Repeated non-compliance by correctional facilities must carry serious consequences,” Ms Ramolobeng said.
The committee was informed that in quarter one of 2025/26, the JICS reported a total of 24 unnatural deaths, with 23 deaths classified as “unnatural other”. In quarter one of 2026/27, 44 unnatural deaths were reported. Thirty-nine of the unnatural death cases were classified as “unnatural other-under investigation”, and two were classified as suicide by hanging.
The committee further heard that JICS received 236 complaints during the first quarter, a 25% increase from the previous year. These included 52 complaints relating to inmate-on-inmate assaults and 37 concerning officials-on-inmate assaults.
The committee welcomed the improvement in staffing. By 30 June 2026, JICS had filled 310 of 330 approved and funded positions, while all 211 Independent Correctional Centre Visitor positions had been filled, reducing the vacancy rate to 6.06% from 41.3% a year earlier. “The committee welcomes the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer and commend you for the filling of post. It is encouraging to see the vacancy rate has dropped. It is an indication that the institution is stabilising,” said the Chairperson.
JICS conducted all 43 inspections targeted under its National Inspection Plan. However, five correctional centres were rated “unsatisfactory”, 37 “satisfactory” and only one “good”. The committee expects greater detail on the conditions identified at the five unsatisfactory facilities and whether DCS has adequately responded to JICS findings and recommendations, emphasised the Chairperson.
Ms Ramolobeng said that the committee is also concerned about the increase in state patients, from 328 in the first quarter of 2025/26 to 423 in the first quarter of 2026/27. This places additional pressure on the correctional system and highlights the need to ensure that vulnerable people receive appropriate care. “The committee will seek an update on DCS’s responsiveness to poorly rated facilities and the resolution of inmate complaints. Oversight must translate into tangible improvements in conditions and the safety of inmates and officials.”
She said that the committee also noted the JICS “One Judge, One Jail” campaign, which seeks to strengthen collaboration between the judiciary, JICS and civil society in promoting humane treatment and stronger oversight.
“We want to emphasise that 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,” the Chairperson said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MS KGOMOTSO ANTHEA RAMOLOBENG.
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