R1,5bn to keep suspects behind bars

South Africa is spending R1,5billion a year to keep more than 50 000 awaiting-trial detainees behind bars.

Overcrowding a problem in SA prisons

Large numbers of awaiting-trial prisoners appear to be the reason for South Africa's grossly overcrowded prisons, some by more than 300% of capacity.

Opposition parties demand answers to escape bid

Political parties are demanding answers after four prisoners, who were handcuffed and locked in leg irons, managed to make a bid for freedom.

Back in his cell, Mathe questioned by Balfour

Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour questioned escapee Annanias Mathe at the Pretoria prison on Saturday to learn more about the circumstances of Mathe's latest attempt to escape.

Behaviour of 'drunken' commissioner to be probed

The Correctional Services Ministry is investigating reports of drunken behaviour by its national commissioner, spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said on Tuesday. Commissioner Vernon Petersen reportedly misbehaved at a dinner attended by Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour and several of his African counterparts at Kievietskroon, outside Pretoria, on Thursday.

Majola: Transformation is about targets

The adverse publicity surrounding the selection of the Proteas is a matter of concern to all cricket lovers, Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said on Friday. Speaking at OR Tambo Airport ahead of the Proteas' departure for a three-Test tour of India, Majola said it was disappointing that cricket was hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Oh, my aching feet of clay ...

Sanele "Shanee" Moroka was a girl trapped in a boy's body with feet trapped in too tight pumps in the voting queue in Polokwane. She doesn't believe the ANC should remain a multi-class organisation and is wondering what will happen to her poor calloused palms after having tugged the comrades "forward towards enlightenment".

Pollsmoor whistle-blower gets his job back

The Cape Town Labour Court has ordered that whistle-blowing prison doctor Paul Theron get his job in Pollsmoor back. He was suspended after telling the Inspecting Judge of Prisons and a parliamentary committee about what he said was an acute healthcare crisis at Pollsmoor, including chronic understaffing and lack of disease control.

Yengeni arrested for drunken driving

The possible breach of the parole conditions of former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni was under investigation after he was arrested for drunken driving, the Correctional Services Ministry said on Monday. Yengeni was arrested in Cape Town on Sunday evening on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Shaik back behind bars after minor stroke

Fraud convict Schabir Shaik is back in prison after spending 10 days in Durban's Albert Luthuli Hospital after suffering a mild stroke, the Department of Correctional Services said on Saturday. Spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said Shaik moved back to Westville Prison on Tuesday.

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