Parliament, Wednesday, 28 October 2026 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice today expressed serious concern over the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) regression to a disclaimer audit opinion, suspected falsification of audit documents, persistent overcrowding and weaknesses in inmate identification and management.
The concerns follow a briefing from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the 2025/26 audit outcomes of DCS and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), ahead of the committee’s engagements with both institutions on 11 November 2026.
Committee Chairperson Ms Jane Seboletswe Mananiso said the findings expose governance and accountability weaknesses requiring decisive leadership intervention. “The suspected alteration, falsification or inauthenticity of documents submitted by DCS for audit is deeply concerning. When we meet with the department next month on these matters, we will seek clarity on the extent of these irregularities, who is responsible and when the forensic investigation will be concluded. Timely consequence management must follow,” she said.
The committee is concerned about recurring unauthorised and irregular expenditure, supply-chain management failures and R12.6 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure, of which 99.9% was attributed to the relevant reporting period. DCS must strengthen financial controls, prevent recurring overspending and ensure value for money, particularly in procuring inmate food.
The committee also noted that only 7% of inmates had recorded identity numbers, while the Integrated Inmate Management System had been implemented at just 35% of correctional centres. “Inmate identification cannot remain unresolved. DCS must work with the Department of Home Affairs on a time-bound plan to identify inmates and integrate their information into management systems. Reliable records are essential for effective inmate management, parole processing and correctional planning,” Ms Mananiso said.
Overcrowding remains a major concern, with remand detainees accounting for 36% of the inmate population. Reports that some detainees remain unsentenced for five to eight years underscore the urgency of coordinated action across the criminal justice system.
The committee further noted the AGSA’s report that DCS achieved 85% of its planned targets, compared with JICS’s 57%. It stressed the need for credible performance reporting and greater attention to rehabilitation, parole management and parole violations.
JICS received an unqualified audit opinion with findings in its first year as a separate auditee. These included weaknesses in performance measurement, procurement and contract management, including instances where contracts were not awarded to the highest bidder.
“An unqualified opinion does not absolve JICS of addressing these findings. Both institutions must strengthen internal controls and legislative compliance and demonstrate measurable corrective action,” Ms Mananiso said.
An increase in the overall vacancy rate from 13.5% to 15%, while senior-management vacancies rose from 30.7% to 37%, were also highlighted.
Ms Mananiso said the committee would monitor the forensic investigation, consequence management, inmate identification in collaboration with Home Affairs, and the implementation of the Integrated Justice System.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, MS JANE SEBOLETSWE MANANISO.
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