The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is conducting studies into satellite tracking devices, which monitor probationers and parolees, but the Democratic Alliance (DA) says this process needs to be speeded up.
“They [the DCS] have been talking about this technology for about two years. It's about time they stopped talking and get around to ordering it now,” says James Selfe, shadow minister of correctional services.
He explains that the technology is available and in the process of being fully developed and rolled out. Now the next step is to get approval for funding from National Treasury.
Selfe says the approval depends on how hard the DCS argues for it. Also, the equipment must work well so it needs to be tested, so that once payment is made, the DCS does not get stuck with faulty equipment.
Despite the correctional services minister's response to a Parliamentary question, saying the tracking devices are being investigated, DCS media liaison officer Sonwabo Mbananga says there is no policy in place and not even any discussions around the devices.
“It is very premature at this stage. The minister is considering investing in the tracking of people awaiting trial and parolees, but there is no further information at this stage,” says Mbananga.
Selfe feels there are several benefits attached to this technology and says: “I think they need to put their foot on the accelerator now.”
How it works
Selfe explains that each inmate would receive a bracelet that is connected to a satellite by signal and so the correctional officers would be able to monitor where these inmates are at all times.
“If the bracelets are tampered with, they set off an alarm,” adds Selfe.
He says that although there is obviously an implication for people's privacy, he doesn't see it being a real problem for the system.
“One's privacy in prison is zero anyway. When one commits a crime, some of their rights, including the right to privacy, are limited.”
Tracking benefits
Selfe identifies several benefits that will arise from these systems.
“Some 15 000 offenders were readmitted for breaking parole conditions that were not crime-related in 2008/9. There are huge benefits [with this system], because - if a person is a parolee or detainee - then the DCS can always know where they are.” He adds that this is an efficient way to ensure parolees do not break their parole conditions.
This means the department can responsibly release everyone that is held on small bail or fines.
This would also ease the overcrowding situation and would reduce the influence of gangs on petty criminals being incarcerated, according to Selfe.
The “Estimates of National Expenditure 2010” released by National Treasury, shows that, in 2008/9, correctional facilities were overcrowded by 42%. Selfe adds that “23 centres in SA experience an occupancy rate of over 200%”.
“The savings would be enormous. People are incarcerated at a cost of R200 a day and now they can be let out into the community at very little cost,” he adds.
According to Selfe, courts now have a viable sentencing alternative to prisons, especially in the case of those offenders who pose a limited threat to society.
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