OPERATION Vala was launched on Monday to tighten security at all the country’s Correctional Centres during the festive season.

The Department said prison escapes increased during the festive season.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla, said Operation Vala will be implemented in all the country’s 243 correctional centres.

The campaign does not only focus on escapes, but also on hostage takings, arson and the security risks these bring to the safety and security of staff, inmates and service providers.

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During the operation, the department applies limitations on offender movements as well as certain food and other items.

“This is an operation in line with government’s efforts towards a safer season earmarked to guarantee safety for the country’s citizens and visitors during the festive season. As Correctional Services, our trend analyses indicates heightened efforts to escape and commit assaults during this time. It is therefore necessary that we leave nothing to chance,” Makwetla said.

The department, he said, is determined to make it impossible for inmates to break the security systems in their desperate pursuit of spending Christmas with loved ones.

Operation Vala, an annual event, is conducted jointly with the members of the South African Police Services.

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