Pollsmoor Prison’s handling of inmate management has come under parliamentary scrutiny following questions posed by MK Party representative Nompumelelo Gasato to the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald. The inquiry addressed the disappearance of three inmates, the department’s notification protocols, and the continued use of manual record-keeping methods despite the availability of biometric systems and modernisation funding.
In her submission, Gasato requested clarity on the exact date Pollsmoor officials became aware that the inmates were missing, the absence of immediate alerts to the courts and police, and the department’s approach to biometric monitoring. The inquiry also referenced the 128 inmate escapes reported in 2023 by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, and questioned whether the department would implement a real-time tracking system accessible to Parliament by 31 December 2025.
In response, Minister Groenewald stated that the Pollsmoor Management Area (PMA) became aware of a High Court order concerning the inmates on 4 May 2025, following an external inquiry. A preliminary investigation was initiated on 15 May. The department indicated it could not issue alerts earlier, as it was not in possession of the relevant court order. The order was subsequently re-signed by a judge and delivered to Pollsmoor on 27 May 2025.
On the issue of record-keeping, Groenewald explained that all correctional centres within the PMA use the electronic Admission and Release system as well as the Integrated Inmate Management System (IIMS), which includes biometric identification for remand detainees. He added that manual fingerprint records continue to be used alongside electronic systems as part of standard procedure to reduce the risk of incorrect releases or escapes.
Regarding the 2023 escape statistics, the Minister stated that escapes are investigated and that corrective measures are implemented to prevent recurrence. He emphasised that inmates are not permitted to leave correctional centres undetected.
In his response to the question about introducing a real-time tracking system by the end of 2025, Groenewald noted that the current systems already capture inmate movements and are actively used, though access is restricted to departmental personnel. He said that information requests from Parliament are addressed as required.
When asked whether the department deliberately maintains limited system transparency to obscure potential misconduct, Groenewald rejected the claim. He stated that the systems form part of the department’s operational processes and are not intended to conceal information.
The exchange has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding operational transparency and system efficiency within South Africa’s correctional facilities. Parliamentary oversight on the implementation of modern monitoring tools is expected to continue in the coming months.
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