×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Prison chief warns on backlog crisis

A MAINTENANCE backlog at prisons is reaching crisis point, Correctional Services chief deputy commissioner Teboho Motseki told MPs yesterday.

A MAINTENANCE backlog at prisons is reaching crisis point, Correctional Services chief deputy commissioner Teboho Motseki told MPs yesterday.

The R574million budget allocated to Public Works - responsible for planned maintenance in South Africa's overcrowded prisons - was not enough, he told members of Parliament's correctional services portfolio committee.

An area of particular concern was prison kitchens, which each day produced meals for an estimated 165000 offenders.

Another area of concern was the emergency generators at prisons, used to run essential services in the event of a power outage. These too needed maintaining. - Sapa

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.