A presentation to t he Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services

1. A summary of recent gang related incidents at Groenpunt Maximum, Pollsmoor Remand and St. Albans Remand Centres A presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services 08 May 2013

2. CONTENTS • Introduction • Groenpunt Incident • Pollsmoor Incident • St. Albans Incident • Concluding Remarks & Observations

3. Introduction • The purpose of this presentation is to present in relative details the incidents that occurred at the mentioned centres in relation to the security challenge they posed • The incident reports shall address: • Summary of the incident itself • Key Drivers of the incident • Interventions to date • This presentation, does not seek to pre-empt the investigations and subsequent findings and recommendations in each case. • As a general principle it must be accepted that gang activities are a common phenomenon in correctional services all over the world with obvious mutations depending on a number of variables. • The fact that gangs are a common phenomenon does not, however, mean the efforts to counter their activities and effects, should be considered trivial.

4. Groenpunt Incident • On 07 January 2013 inmates in Project 1 (P1) of the Maximum Correctional Centre in Groenpunt staged a riot. • The riots started at around 14h30 and ended around midnight – following tactical intervention led by SAPS. • The cost of this riot can be summarised as follows: • Injuries to offenders and officials • Arson which resulted in significant damage to the structure of the facility as well as other amenities (e.g. public phones and furniture) • Loss of information – burnt case files of offenders • Negative reputation of the DCS in its ability to manage such incidents

5. Key Drivers • Frustrated offenders – perceived indifference of officials • Criminal agenda (veiled escape attempt) • Poor conflict resolution mechanisms (escalation of tensions) • Overcrowding v Staff compliment • Pillars of security weak: • Personnel Security • Information Security • Physical Security • Technology Security • Operational Security • Management & Supervision • Gang Management Strategy not implemented

6. Progress to date (Groenpunt) • Investigation finalised on 12 March 2013 • Various recommendations regarding operational improvements were made • Action against the Head of Centre and the Area Commissioner has been recommended based on specific findings • Report and implementation of recommendations being considered by the Regional Commissioner: Free State / Northern Cape

7. Pollsmoor Incident • On 23 January 2013 a confrontation between 15 remand detainees led to violence. • Five (5) offenders were injured and one was seriously injured and rushed to hospital Key Drivers • At this stage the matter is viewed as purely gang related. The incident is being investigated and any findings and recommendations will be carefully considered by the Area and Regional Management Teams. Interventions: • Increased random searching • Identification of material used and how DCS workshops can assist with modification of material (CSO site visit on 13 February 2013)

8. St. Albans incident • On 18 January 2013 gang violence erupted in B-Unit of St. Albans. • The fight was between members of the 26 gang and the 28 gang • A total of three (3) inmates died as a result of the incident with several injured. Progress to date: • Investigation finalised on 03 April 2013 • Disciplinary action against various officers including Head of Security & Unit Manager for various acts including: • Poor management of keys • Failure to implement gang management strategy (allowing gangs to meet) and • Poor control over movement of offenders • Murder case of 3 offenders being investigated by the SAPS

9. THANK YOU