Pretoria - Inmates with appropriate CD4 counts are on anti-retrovirals (ARVs), Correctional Services revealed on Wednesday.
Correctional Services National Commissioner, Tom Moyane, told the Portfolio Committee that they are able to provide ARV treatment to over 8 500 inmates suffering from HIV and Aids, through their 21 accredited wellness sites for comprehensive prevention, care, support and management of HIV and Aids.
The department relies heavily on the Department of Health to supply ARVs to inmates, particularly in areas that do not have accredited treatment sites.
Moyane said they would continue to invest more to meet the growing demand for treatment, said Moyane.
During the current financial year, the budget for the provision of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) is R13.5 million and it will be increased by 115 percent for the next financial year to just under R29 million.
Touching on other matters, Moyane said 23 of the rearrested Harrismith escapees have been sentenced to a collective 153 years for escaping from lawful custody.
Moyane praised the tireless efforts of the South African Police Services and members of the public in assisting in the re-arrest of 23 of the 41 escapees.
Their cases were expedited and all have been sentenced for their escape to between five and 10 years behind bars without the option of a fine.
The investigation has been completed and disciplinary processes against two officials are underway.
On other security breaches, Moyane indicated that of the 16 officials investigated following the escape of offenders from Durban Westville Correctional Centre, nine were found guilty.
Two were found not guilty and five more are expecting the final verdict of internal disciplinary hearings.
Six of these officials were given suspension without pay for three months, while three officials received final written warnings.
Regarding the security breach at Kokstad Correctional Centre, three officials were summarily dismissed, two for sleeping on duty and the third main official for compromising security through unethical relations with an offender.
Moyane said his department is determined to defend itself against officials challenging their dismissals for unbecoming conduct through arbitration.
