Most prison escapes happen during the busy December holidays - but not this year, says Correctional Services
THE departments of correctional services in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West have tightened security in their prisons in a bid to prevent escapes during the festive season.
Launching Operation Vala in Mafikeng, North West yesterday, correctional services regional commissioner Alfred Tsetsane said most prison escapes happen during the busy December holidays.
Operation Vala involves using tagging devices which can detect when a person travels out of the inclusion zone, biometric access control with cameras and monitors, and high security fencing with motion detectors, cameras and monitors.
As part of security measures, inmates' privileges such as receiving food parcels and other essentials from relatives would be restricted.
"We have been challenged for many years by security breaches, incidents of assault and arson as well as escapes within our facilities.
"Many of our members have either lost their lives or suffered severe injuries during these escapes, a situation that we obviously will not allow to continue," Tsetsane said.
Tsetsane said, from 2005 until this year, incidents of prison escapes during this time of the year had decreased by about 85%.
- tshehleb@sowetan.co.za
Jails tighten security
Most prison escapes happen during the busy December holidays - but not this year, says Correctional Services
THE departments of correctional services in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West have tightened security in their prisons in a bid to prevent escapes during the festive season.
Launching Operation Vala in Mafikeng, North West yesterday, correctional services regional commissioner Alfred Tsetsane said most prison escapes happen during the busy December holidays.
Operation Vala involves using tagging devices which can detect when a person travels out of the inclusion zone, biometric access control with cameras and monitors, and high security fencing with motion detectors, cameras and monitors.
As part of security measures, inmates' privileges such as receiving food parcels and other essentials from relatives would be restricted.
"We have been challenged for many years by security breaches, incidents of assault and arson as well as escapes within our facilities.
"Many of our members have either lost their lives or suffered severe injuries during these escapes, a situation that we obviously will not allow to continue," Tsetsane said.
Tsetsane said, from 2005 until this year, incidents of prison escapes during this time of the year had decreased by about 85%.
- tshehleb@sowetan.co.za
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