The tagging of probationers with electronic monitoring devices was rolled out nationally on 1 July this year and implemented at all centres.
Correctional services officials fitted nine parolees with devices around their ankles, at the Thembalethu Community Correction Centre. Most of these parolees, who reside in Pacaltsdorp, Rosemoor, Conville, Parkdene and Thembalethu, received lengthy prison sentences for crimes like murder, rape and robbery and were placed under correctional supervision/parole for long periods. One offender's supervision will last till 2031.
The tags were activated minutes after the fitting and staff from the correctional services’ 24-hour control room in Pretoria watch the parolees' movements in real time on a Google Earth-like programme. The system is personalised for each offender, specifying where they are allowed to go and at what time.
If they violate anyone of their supervision conditions, the system sends out an alert to the national control room, which in turn will contact the local Case Management Supervisor. Each community corrections office also has a senior correctional official on standby 24/7.
Along with the ankle bracelet, probationers were also equipped with a receiver, which needs to be charged regularly. The receiver and bracelet have to be worn together and may not be more than 15m apart. This device can also be used by probationers to contact the officials or vice versa. Any interference with the equipment, including tampering or failing to charge the receiver, will send alerts to the control room.
Ms Gloria Morgan, head of George Community Corrections, said depending on the violation, the person could be sent back to jail.
At the launch concerns were raised by some of the probationers and Reverend Sandile Mila, from the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, as to the stigma attached to wearing the devices.
Morgan explained that nothing about their supervision conditions have changed and that the tags should be seen as an additional security measurement. They will still be visited regularly.
Ms Hazel Matiwane, the chairman of the parole board, said if probationers live an honest and good life, there will be no stigma.
The taxpayer pays over R390 per day to incarcerate an inmate, while electronic monitoring amounts to R190 a day.
George now has 17 probationers with devices on the system, Mossel Bay 16, Oudtshoorn three and Knysna two.
The electronic monitoring bracelet (left) was fitted on the probationers' ankles and they have to wear the receiver on them. These devices may not be 15m apart.
From left: Ms Gloria Morgan (head of the George Community Corrections), Johan Jördens (case management supervisor - George) and Jacques Snyman (regional coordinator: electronic monitoring) explain how the system works to probationers and their families.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LIZETTE DA SILVA, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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