Vhembe prisons filled to capacity
The actual capacity rate of offenders currently exceeds the capability of Vhembe's four correctional centres.
LIMPOPO – This is according to Chaplain Showy Mudimeli of the Thohoyandou Correctional Services, as he spoke at an event called Police Sunday, held at Maniini village outside Thohoyandou.
According to Mudimeli, the capacity of prisons in the Vhembe area is 1 368 persons, but prisons are currently housing 2 614 inmates.
“The total number of male inmates is 2 517 of which 1 690 have already been sentenced. About 324 men are just sitting at Sinthumule Kutama Maximum Security Prison, awaiting trial.”
Of these numbers, women constitute 97 of which 85 have been sentenced.
“We are committed to rehabilitate offenders. Correction is the task of the community, not the police or the Department of Justice alone,” said Mudimeli.
Brig Willie Mashava of the Thohoyandou police said although crimes like housebreaking, robbery, theft, rape, assault and crimes against women and children are on the increase, the tendency of mob justice has become a serious concern.
Another problem he pointed out, was that of “compelled rape” – instances in which parents force their teenagers into sexual intercourse with others, in exchange for money.
“A drastic paradigm shift is required as a matter of urgency in dealing with matters that relate to crime. The protection and nurturing of children is the cornerstone of any future prosperity for any nation, crime must fall,” said Mashava.
Zamba Maluleke, the Regional Manager for Home Affairs in the Vhembe Region said he was aware of foreign nationals that could not be traced once they have committed crimes.
“The solution is that, each and every household staying with a foreigner must make sure that he or her is registered with Home Affairs. Those who fraudulently assist foreigners will be dealt with accordingly. We don’t hate foreigners, but they must come through right procedures,” said Maluleke.
He also expressed concern over the number of youths currently housed in correctional facilities. He ascribed this to excessive alcohol use.
