TRC Final Report

Volume 5

Chapter 8

Subsection 22

The SAPS and correctional services

74 To maintain control and continuity in the dealings between the SAPS and the Department of Correctional Services, the Commission recommends that there be closer liaison between the two departments. For example, at present, sentenced prisoners are paroled at the discretion of the Department of Correctional Services.

75 It is recommended that:

THE RELEASE OF SUCH PERSONS SHOULD BE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COURTS THAT SENTENCED THEM.

76 In addition, it is recommended that

A SOCIAL WORKER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT INTO WHICH THE PRISONER IS TO BE RELEASED;

THERE BE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE PRISONER WILL HAVE A MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD;

A RECORD OF COMPLETE REHABILITATION IS MADE AVAILABLE;

THE GOVERNMENT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRAINING OF PRISONERS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE EQUIPPED FOR LIFE OUTSIDE THE PRISON;

THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHECK WHETHER THE PRISONER HAS BREACHED ANY PAROLE CONDITIONS IN THE PAST;

THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER, MAGISTRATE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICIAL EXAMINE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PRISONER TO BE PAROLED.

Security companies

77 The Commission recommends that:

THE RELEVANT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE STATE OF THE SECURITY INDUSTRY WITH THE AIM OF INCREASING CONTROLS ON THE INDUSTRY AND ENSURING AN INDUSTRY-WIDE CODE OF CONDUCT.

Improved control over ownership and use of guns.

78 Noting that many deaths and injuries reported to the Commission, as well as many occurring after the end of the mandate period, were caused by guns, the Commission recommends that:

EXISTING CONTROLS OVER THE OWNERSHIP AND USE OF GUNS BE EXTENSIVELY REVIEWED.