WEDNESDAY, 11.00AM:
CORRECTIONAL services national commissioner Dr Khulekani Sitole says that the only way to ease massive overcrowding in the nation’s prisons may be to release about 45 000 petty criminals.
He said while such a step could cause friction between the department, the rest of the criminal justice system, and the general public, the possibility could not be ruled out. He said the department is aware of the danger that these petty criminals could go on to commit more serious crimes if they are released.
He said the department is also looking into using suitable empty buildings, like the Ponte building in Berea, to house awaiting trial prisoners. Prisons are currently holding 158 percent of national capacity, with some 16-man cells holding up to 62 prisoners. He said if urgent action is not taken soon to ease the overcrowding the department would “just have to say one morning, we are releasing 20 000 prisoners.”