Picture: Drakenstein Correctional Centre in the Western Cape
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today conducted an oversight visit to the Drakenstein Correctional Centre in the Western Cape, expressing concern over the high number of suspensions of officials linked to disciplinary cases in the management area. The committee said the Drakenstein Management Area includes the Maximum Section, Maximum A Section, Maximum B Section, and Stellenbosch Correctional Centre.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said during the 2025/26 financial year, 65 disciplinary cases were registered. Ramolobeng noted that nationally the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) recorded 130 such cases, making Drakenstein the largest contributor.
“This is a significant number of disciplinary cases. The figure is extremely high and may point to management failures or a lack of effective systems. We previously urged the National Commissioner to focus on the Drakenstein Management Area, and this confirms why.
“The committee had resolved at the start of its term to prioritise physical oversight visits to correctional facilities. To date, the committee has visited Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo, and last week conducted oversight visits in Mpumalanga,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said during today’s visit, the committee conducted a walkabout of the kitchen, bakery, school, medical unit, several workshops, and inmate cells. She added that the bakery unit was commended for producing approximately 1,500 loaves of bread per day, supplying several other centres.
“This is commendable and contributes to self-sustainability. It is also an effective cost-cutting measure for the department. However, we observed that two of the three mixers are not functioning and one oven is also broken. In the kitchen, four of the 10 pots are not working, and some workshop machinery is also out of order.
“This is concerning, as it places additional strain on the remaining equipment and increases the risk of further breakdowns. These issues require urgent attention,” said Ramolobeng.
She said following the debriefing session, the committee also raised concerns about the amount of contraband found in the management area during 2025/26. Ramolobeng said this included 634 cell phones and 595 mandrax tablets.
“The committee also raised concerns about the practice of serving lunch and dinner together to inmates, noting that this is not in line with the department’s standard operating procedures. Overcrowding was another key issue highlighted.
“We have noted that overcrowding generally contributes to security incidents. The Drakenstein Management Area’s facilities can accommodate 1 361 bed spaces but currently houses 1 851 inmates, including 227 mental healthcare users,” she said.
Ramolobeng said the committee also received a preliminary report on the unnatural death of an inmate in March. She said it was informed that the investigation has not yet been concluded, with early indications suggesting gang-related causes.
“The committee was unable to cover all areas of the facility during the visit and will return for a more comprehensive inspection, as well as to follow up on its recommendations to the department,” said Ramolobeng.
The Guardian 