Pretoria – The Department of Correctional Services has launched its annual Operation Vala, a campaign that sees security beefed up at Correctional Centres during the festive season.
Operation Vala was first launched in 2005. This year it will officially kick off on 25 November and end on 14 January.
Correctional Services Chief Deputy Commissioner James Smallburger said the department was prompted to launch the campaign after realising that most escapes happen towards or during the festive season.
Smallburger said since the launch, there has been a decline in the number of escapes in this period. He said these escapes happen because inmates want to spend the festive season with their families, while some escape to commit other crimes.
He said this year, a number of law enforcement agencies have been roped in to assist with curbing escapes.
“With the December holidays only a few weeks away, the Department of Correctional Services is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at all our Correctional Centres. We are making a concerted effort to ensure a safer festive season for you,” he said.
Smallburger called on communities to continue to work with law enforcement agencies by reporting the escapees.
“We call upon family members and the community at large not to harbour the escapees and criminals in their communities.
“We are calling upon citizens to do their part and report any suspicious activity immediately as corrections is a societal responsibility,” he said.
Smallburger warned those who assist inmates to escape.
“We know that there is a minority of unscrupulous officials who themselves are criminals masquerading in DCS [Department of Correctional Services] uniform, who will sacrifice these noble goals for a safer and secure South Africa for a quick buck on the altar of greed.
“We want to repeat our warnings to such officials that your days are numbered and you will not only be investigated, disciplined and dismissed but you will be criminally prosecuted and you will swap your brown uniform for the orange one.”
Smallburger said 49 escapes were reported last year compared with 60 reported the previous year. The majority of these escapees are back behind bars.
Smallburger said prison escapes continue to decline from as high as 1 244 escapes per year in 1995.
“The efficiency and effectiveness of our safe and secure custody programme at correctional centres has reached unprecedented levels,” he said.
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said it was important for law enforcement agencies to collaborate. She also commended community members for working with law enforcement agencies to turn in criminals.
“This is to make sure that everybody is on board in ensuring a safer and secure South Africa. The information that we receive from the community is very helpful.”
Operation Vala focuses on tightening security measures at correctional centres, increasing supervision of officials, decreasing idleness among inmates and reducing outdoor activities. – SAnews.gov.za
