South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 4 January 2023

South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Photo: Adobe Stock

Correctional Services confirms five more COVID-19 cases

The number of COVID-19 cases within the Department of Correctional Services is closing in on 200.

South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 4 January 2023

South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Photo: Adobe Stock

Five new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), taking the total number of infections to 177.

The department made the announcement on Friday, the day President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the release of 19 000 “low-risk” offenders across the country to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Correctional Services records increase in COVID-19 cases

Out of the number reported by Correctional Services, 87 cases are still active, with another 87 making a full recovery from the virus. The department has also reported three deaths.

“The department of correctional services has recorded three new recoveries from COVID-19-19 after three officials in the Western Cape tested negative, thus bringing a total number of recoveries to 87,” department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.

“DCS continues to provide support to both officials and inmates who test positive for COVID-19. We have also recorded five new Covid-19 cases, as such, the total number of positive cases is now at 177.” 

Parole for low-risk offenders

The figure includes prisoners and prison officials, with inmates accounting for 78 cases and two deaths.

On Friday, it was revealed that prisoners identified as “low-risk” offenders will be paroled in an effort to ease the overcrowding in correctional facilities, as well as reduce the risk of further spread of the virus.

This excludes prisoners doing time for serious crimes such as sexual offences, murder and attempted murder, gender-based violence and child abuse.

“The decision taken by the president to combat the spread of Covid-19 in correctional centres could relieve our correctional services facilities of just under 19 000 inmates out of a population of 155 000. 

“The parole dispensation will apply to low-risk inmates who have passed their minimum detention period or will approach this period in the coming five years,” the Presidency said. 

Earlier in the week, a mass screening and testing programme began in one of the country’s most famous prisons, Pollsmor.

South Africa has a total of 8 895 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with the death toll now at 178.