Correctional Services hosts seminar on torture and assault in prisons

The office of the Inspecting Judge would like to inform the media that the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) is hosting a seminar on torture and assault in South African correctional centres.

JICS is an independent oversight body established in terms of sections 85 and 86 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998. Its mandate is to conduct inspections in correctional centres and report on the treatment of inmates, prison conditions as well as any corrupt or dishonest practices in correctional centres and remand detention facilities.

The aim of the seminar is for the JICS to engage the Department of Correctional Services, other government departments, civil society organisations, academics and the public on ways to deal with torture and assault in correctional centres. The perspectives of both officials and inmates will be debated.

The seminar will focus on recent reports of torture and assault in Western Cape correctional centres. Camera footage and visual material will be shown.

Participants are invited to engage in in-depth discussions on how to eradicate torture and assault, learn from experience and steps to be taken in ensuring dignity and justice for all.

The Inspecting Judge Johann van der Westhuizen, Honourable Deputy Minister Mr Thabang Makwetla and the National Commissioner Mr Zach Modise will speak at the event.

The seminar will take place at Helderstroom Correctional Centre near Caledon in the Western Cape, on Thursday 17 November 2016, from 9h00 to 13h45. A visit of the Helderstroom Correctional Centre will take place from 14h30 to 15h30.

Source: Government of South Africa

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