NATIONAL NEWS - Following the pronouncement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country will move to Alert Level 2 effective from 18 August the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has reviewed its Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy accordingly.
Inmate visits to correctional centres and remand detention centres will thus be permitted under strict conditions, observing Covid-19 health protocols as well as Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
"Visits are limited to one non-contact visit per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time. Bookings must be pre-arranged at least 48-hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning. No visits will be allowed without prior appointment.
"Only visitors with face masks as per the approved name-list will be allowed access. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the scheduled visit time. Inmates will be allowed to receive items as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy," said DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.
Visiting hours will be limited from 09:00 to 15:00 on visit days. Remanded detainees may receive visits on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, but not on public holidays. Sentenced offenders will be allowed visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, weekends and on public holidays.
Visiting hours in the Southern Cape are as follow:
Remand detainees on Tuesdays can Thursdays from 09:00 to 15:00 and sentenced inmates can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Visits will only be 30 minutes and only one person per inmate per month irrespective of privilege group.
All visitors must be in possession of an ID book, driver’s license, passport or birth certificate (only for children).
All visitors will be screened and sanitized before entering and must wear a mask at all time.
Please call the below facilities for more information:
- Beaufort West - 023 414 3663/023 414 2330
- George - 044 8027466/8027516
- Knysna - 044 3825744 ext 144
- Mossel Bay - 044-606 6537 -
- Oudtshoorn Male - 044 272 8951/ 272 4844
- Oudtshoorn Female - 044 2728951
- Prince Albert - 023 5411440/5411331
- Ladismith - 028-5511040
- Uniondale - 044 752111 / 044 7521458
Legal practitioners will be expected to make prior arrangements with the head of the centre and be in possession of proof of identity. On urgent matters, legal representatives and inmates may communicate telephonically after approval and where circumstances and resources permit.
If, at any given time, there are new or suspected cases of Covid-19 in a facility or unforeseen circumstances at the premises, this could affect visitations. Those planning a visit should always confirm their visit with the relevant correctional centre before travelling.
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