mI

@W. CWUNl~TION 6 INFORMATION SYSTtM

LIBRARY
MW. C~UNIQ~ON & INFOR
Y
a OF SOUTH AFRICA

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE

STAATSKOERANT
VAN DIE REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA

As ‘II !VLILIShlOd by cfie Poskantoor Gercgistreer

CAPE TOWN, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

VOL 401 No. 19522
KAAPSTAD, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

I I
1
,
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT KANTOOR VAN DIE PRESIDENT

Z7 November 1998 No. 1543. 27 November 1998

No. 1543.

It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the Hierby word bekend gemaak dat die President sy goed-
following Act which is hereby published for general keuring geheg het aan die onderstaande W e t wat hierby ter
inforrnation:— algemene inligting gepubliseer word:—

No. 111 of 1998: Correctional Services Act. 1998. No. 111 van 1998: Wet op Korrektiewe Dienste. 1998.
~ No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~E, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

. . . -..
. . . ’ . ,,,
. . . ” . .
.—-. - -

(English text signed by the President. )

(Assented to 19 November 1998. I ..’ ‘z’
. . . ,, ”...,.— ,,
r., .,,.,
----

ACT
To provide for a correctional system; the establishment, functions and control of
the Department of Correctional Services; the custody of all prisoners under
conditions of human dignity; the rights and obligations of sentenced prisoners; the
rights and obligations of unsentenced prisoners; a system of community correc-
tions; release from prison and placement under correctional supervision, on day
parole and parole; a National Council for Correctional Services; a Judicial
Inspectorate; Independent Prison Visitors; an internal service evaluation; officials
of the Department; joint venture prisons; penalties for offences; the repeal and
amendment of certain laws; and matters connected therewith.

PREAMBLE

With the object of changing the law governing the correctional system and giving
effect to the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, 1996, and in particular its provisions
with regard to prisoners;

Recognising—
international principles on correctional matters;

Regulating—
the release of prisoners and the system of community corrections;
in general, the activities of the Department of Correctional Services; and

Providing—
for independent mechanisms to investigate and scrutinise the activities of the
Department of Correctional Services,

B E IT THEREFOM ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.

as follows:—

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions

CHAPTER II

INTRODUCTION

2. Purpose of correctional system

3. Establishment, functions and control of Department 10
4 NO, 19522 GOVERNMENT GHETTE, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111.1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

CHAPTER III

CUSTODY OF ALL PRISONERS UNDER CONDITIONS OF HUMAN

DIGNITY

Part A

General requirements 5

4. Approach to safe custody

5. Establishment of prisons
6. Admission
7. Accommodation
8. Nutrition 10
9. Hygiene
10. Clothing and bedding
11. Exercise
12. Health care
13. Contact with community
14. Religion, belief and opinion
15. Death in prison
16. Development and support services
17. Access to legal advice
18, Reading material 20
19. Children
20. Mothers of young children
71
-, Complaints and requests

PART B

Discipline 25

22. General
23. Disciplina~ infringements
z4, procedures and penalties
25. Solitary confinement

Part C 30

SecuriO

26. Safe custody

27. Searches
28, Identification
29, Security classification 35
30. Segregation
31. Mechanical restraints
32. Use of force
33. Non-1 ethal incapacitating devices
34. Firearms 40
35. Other weapons

CHAPTER IV

SENTENCED PRISONERS

36. Objective of implementation of sentence of imprisonment

37. General principles 45
38, Assessment
39. Commencement. computation and termination of sentences
40. Labour of sentenced prisoners
41. Treatment, development and support services
42. Case Management Committee 50
6 No. 19522 GOVERNMEW GUE~E. 27 NOVEMBER 199X

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

43, Location and transfer of prisoners

44. Temporary leave
45. Placement and release

CHAPTER V

UNSENTENCED PRISONERS

46. General principles

47. Clothing
48. Food and drink
49, Visitors and communication

CHAPTER VI 10

COMMUNITJ7 CORRECTIONS

50. Objectives of community corrections

51. Persons subject to community corrections
52. Conditions relating to community corrections
53. Serving of community corrections 15
54. Day parole
55. Commencement
56. Medical examination
57. Supervision
58. Supervision Committee 20
59. House detention
60. Community service
61. Seeking employment
62. Employment
63, Compensation 25
64. Programmed
65. Contribution to costs
66. Fixed address
67. Use or abuse of alcohol or drugs
68. Monitorin& 30
69. Additional conditions for children
70. Non-compliance
71. Change of conditions
72. Complaints and requests

CHAPTER VII 35

RELEASE FROM PRISON AND PLACEMENT UNDER CORRECTIONAL.

SUPERVISION AND ON DAY PAROLE AND PAROLE

73, Length and form of sentences

74. Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
75. Powers. functions and duties of Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards 40
76. Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board
77. Powers of Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board in respect of
cases decided by Correctional Supervision and Parole Board
78. Powers of court in respect of prisoners serving life sentences
79. Correctional supervision or parole on medical grounds 45
80. Special remission of sentence for highly meritorious service
81. Special measures for reduction of prison population
82, Powers of President
 .. .

8 No. .19522 GOVERNH G~, 27 NOWER 1998

Act No. 111, 198 CORRE~ONAL SERWC~ AH, 1998

CHAPTER VI~

NATIONAL COUNC~ FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

83. Structure of National Council

84: Functions and duties of National Council

CHAPTER IX 5

THE JUDICIAL INSPECTORATE

85. Establishment of Judicial Inspectorate

86. Inspecting Judge
87. Appointment of Assistants
88. Conditions of service of retired judges 10
89. Inspectors and staff
90. Powers, functions and duties of Inspecting Judge
91. Expenses of Judicial Inspectorate

CHAPTER X

INDEPENDENT PWSON VISITORS 15

92. Appointment of Independent Prison Visitors

93. Powers, functions and duties of Independent Prison Visitor
94. Visitors’ Committee

CHAPTER XI

INTERNAL SERVICE EVALUATION 20

95. Objectives and functions of internal service evaluation

CHAPTER MI

OFFIC~LS OF THE DEPARTMENT

96. Powers, functions and duties of correctional officials

97. Delegation of powers 25
98. Professionals

CHAPTER X~I
,’:’.
GENERAL PO~RS OF ENFORCEMENT

99. Access to prisons

100. Arrest 30
101. E n t r y , s e a r c h a n d seizure;’ ‘: “
102. Use of force !,,.! ;, ~
.,:
1’,’’” “’&PTERXm ‘
‘ 1!):, , !,,! 1, ‘
JO,~
., .,!;,VEy
;,, , , ,: P~,ONS
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., ,.,
rl:.i;,.
103. Conmacts for joint veq~,~fiso~ .,.. ,., f{,,, 35
104. Duties and resrnctiOys.,a~P)~,+g: {~.{COn@acior& ~ ,
105. A p p o i n t m e n t o f Conmoller - ~ l“” “;
106. P o w e r s , f u n c t i o n s ~d%~d~i’O#c;riGOii~Y[ ‘!7 ,
107. Appointment of Director
108. Powers, functions and duties of Dirmtor 40
109. A p p o i n t m e n t of custtiy officials ‘
110. Powers and duties of custody officirds “
10 No.”19522 GOVE~ G~, 27 NO~~ 1998

Ad No. 111, 1998 CORRE~ONM SERWC= A~, 1998

111. Preservation of confidentiality

112. Commissioner’s powers in an emergency at joint venture prisons

CHAPTER XV

OFFENCES

113. Interference with correctional or custody officials 5

114. Interference with community corrections conditions
115. Aiding escape I
116. Unauthorised removal of prisoner from prison
117. Escaping and absconding
118. Giving or receiving money or other consideration 10
119. Supplying certain articles to prisoners
120. Prisoners receiving or sending articles
121. Selling or supplying articles to prisoners
122. Unauthorised entry at prisons and communication or interference with
prisoners 15
123. Prohibited publication
124. Unauthorised wearing of departmental dress or insignia
125. Masquerading as an official
126. False representations
127. Unauthorised disclosure of information 20
128. Unauthorised access to or modification of computer material
129. Indirect complicity
CHAPTER XVI

GENERAL

130. Limitation on legal proceedings 25

131. Liability for patrimonial loss arising from performance of service by persons
under community corrections
132. Establishment, management and exemption from certain monies of facilities at
prisons
133. Agreements for articles, supplies and services 30
134. Regulations
135. State bound by Act
136. Transitional provision
137. Repeal of laws
138. Short title and commencement 35

SCHEDULE

CHAPTER I

DEF~~IONS

Definitions

1. Definitions: 40
“amenities” means—
(a)
,, recreational and other activities, diversions or privileges prescribed by
regulation; and
(b) with reference to their restriction as a penalty for disciplinary infringements,
only”tio”~fight$ @~ted beyond the mandatory minimum stipulated in this 45
Act;
“~ea Mrmagefl’ mm~wrrectionrd official, appointed by the Commissioner, in
charge of dl “co~~ ~fici~s who are on the establishment of a management
Mea or 05ce or who have been attached thereto for duty;
‘<Assistants” means~@ond appointed under swtion .87 to assist the Inspecting 50
Judge; ‘ “ ‘‘ ‘ii!~, .
“case Managem@+~ ‘~~eans a committee established under s~tion
42, ,t:l~” (t! ~’ti 4* l}ttK!* i:. C’, t[irr, .A,L 1
,,

CLchild” me~s a person” undmhe~ge Of 18 years;

w
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner.of Correctional Services, appointed
under section 3(3); ~;.
.’community corrections” means all non-custodial measures and forms of
supervision applicable to persons who are subject to such measures and supervision
in the community and who are under tie control of the Department; 5
“community corrections office” means a place designated by the Commissioner
for the administration and management of community corrections;
“community service” means compulsory work for a community organisation or
other compulsory work of value to the community, performed without payment;
“Constitution” means the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 10
No. 108 of 1996);
“contract”, in relation to a joint venture prison, means a contract for the design,
construction, financing or operation of that prison envisaged in section 103;
“Contractor”, in relation to a joint venture prison, means any party who has
contracted with the State for the design, construction, financing or operating of a 15
prison;
“Controller” means a senior correctional official in the employ of the Department
and employed under section 105;
“correctional official” means an employee of the Department appointed under
section 3(4); 20
“correctional supervision” means a form of community corrections contemplated
in Chapter VI;
“correctional Supervision and Parole Board” means a board appointed by the
Minister under section 74;
“Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board” means a board selected 25
under section 76:
‘. Criminal Procedure Act” means the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of
1977):
“custody official’. means an employee of a Contractor who is certified to carry out
custodial duties at a joint venture prison,and may include an employee of a 30
subcontractor who is so certified;
“day parole” means a form of community corrections contemplated in section 54;
“Department.’ means the Department of Correctional Services;
“Director” means an employee of the Contractor appointed in terms of section
108; 35
‘disciplinary official” means a correctional official of the rank of assistant director
or above. or where such official is not available a correctional official specially
trained in the conduct of disciplinary hearings of prisoners, appointed by the
Commissioner in terms of section 24;
“habitual criminal” means a person referred to in section 286 of the Criminal 40
Procedure Act;
.’Head of Community Corrections” means a correctional official designated by the
Commissioner to manage and control community corrections at a community
corrections office;
“Head of Prison’. means a correctional official designated by the Commissioner to 45
manage and control a particular prison;
‘house detention” means a requirement relating to community corrections
contemplated in section 59;
‘. Independent Prison Visitor” means a person appointed under section 92;
“Inspecting Judge” means a person appointed under section 86; 50
“joint venture prison” means a prison or part of a prison referred to in section 103;
“Judicial Inspectorate” means the inspectorate established under section 85;
“Labour Relations Act” means the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of
1995); ,,
“leg~ practitioner” means any person admitted to practice as an advocate or an 55
attorney in the Republic; ,,,, / ,

“management area” means an Mea determined by a Provincial Commissioner,

which consists of one or more prisons or offices and which is under. the control of
a correctioti officiaJ designated as an Area Manager. I:
“.
.,
“medicsd officer” means a-medicd practitioner appointed as a correctional official 60
under section 3(4) OL if no medicd.officer has kn appointed or: if the post .of the
medical officer is tempodly vacant, the duties ,ascribed to tie medicrd ~fficer by
this Act must be executed by the district medical officer for the district in which the
14 No. 19522 GOW-NT G~, 27 NOWER 1998
Act No. 111,1998 CORRE~ONM SERW~ ACT, 1998

prison is situated or by such other medical practitioner appointed by the head of the
relevant health authority;
“medc~ practitioner” means a medicsd practitioner as defined in section 1 of the
Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974);
“medicd treatment” means treatment, regimen or intervention prescribed by a 5
medical practitioner, dentist or psychologist as defined in section 1 of the Medical,
Dental and Supplemen~ Health Service Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of
1974);
“Minister” means the Minister of Correctional Services;
“mother and child unit” means a unit within a prison where provision is made for 10
separate sleeping accommodation for mother and child, as well as a cr&che facility,
and where tie focus is on the normalisation of the environment in order to promote
the child’s physical and emotional development and care;
“National Council” means the” National Council for Correctional Services,
established under section 83; 15
“non-parole period” means the period as defined in section 276B of the Criminal
Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977); ~
“parole” means a form of community corrections contemplated in Chapter VI;
“periodical imprisonment” means a sentence imposed in terms of section 285 of
the Cnrnind Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977); 20
“prison” means any place establish under this Act as a place for the reception,
detention, confinement, training or treatment of persons liable to detention in
custody or to detention in placement under protective custody, and dl land,
outbuildings and premises adjacent to any such place and used in connection
therewith and dl land, branches, outstations, camps, buildings, premises or places 25
to which any such persons have been sent for the purpose of imprisonment,
detention, protection, labour, treatment or otherwise, and all quarters of correc-
tional officials used in connection with any such prison, and for tie purposes of
sections 115 and 117 of this Act includes every place used as a police cell or
lock-up; 30
“prisoner” means any person, whether convicted or not, who is detained in custody
in any prison or who is being transferred in custody or is en route from one prison
to another prison;
“professionals” means persons registered under the Nursing Act, 1978 (Act No. 50
of 1978), Chiropractors, Homeopaths and Allied Health Service Professions Act, 35
1982 (Act No. 63 of 1982), Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act No. 53 of 1974), Health
Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974), and the Social Work Act, 1978 (Act
No. 110 of 1978);
“Provincial Commissioner” means a correctional official designated by the
Commissioner to manage and control tie activities of the Department in a province 40
as defined in the Constitution;
“psychologist” means a psychologist as defined in section 1 of the Health
Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974);
“publication” means—
(a) any newspaper, book, periodicd, pamphlet, poster or other printed matter; 45
(b) any writing or typescript which has been duplicated in any manner;
(c) any drawing, picture, illustration or painting;
(d) any print, photograph, engraving or lithograph;
(e) any record, magnetic tape, soundtrack or any other object in or on which
sound has been recorded for reproduction; 50
~) computer software;
(g) the cover or packaging of a film; and
(h) any figure, carving, statue or model.
16 No.’.l9Q2 GOWWW G~, 27 NO-~ 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 ‘ CO=~ONti ~WCH.A~, 199S

.“Public Service Act??means the Public ServiceAct, 19% (Proclamation No. 103 of
1994);
“register” mems any physical, written or typed record or any data contained in the
random access memory of a computer or stored by any computer on any storage
medium; 5
“registered nurse’’ ..means a person registered as a nurse under section 16 of the
Nursing Act, 1978 (Act: No. 50 of 1978), and excludes any reference to the
“nursing auxiliary” and “enrolled nurse”, enrolled under the provisions of the said
section; ‘. ,, ,.
“senior correctionrd official” metis a correctional official on or above the post 10
level of correctionrd official;
“sentenced prisoner” means any person who has been sentenced to imprisonment;
“solitary confinement” means being held in a single cell with loss of all amenities;
“Supervision Committee” means a committee established under section 58;
“Temporary Manager” means a senior correctional official in the employ of the 15
Department appointed for the purposes referred to in section 112;
“unsentenced prisoner” means any person who is lawfully detained in prison, but
who has not been sentenced to imprisonment;
“Visitors’ Committee” means a committee appointed under section 94.

C~PTER H 20

~TRODUCTION

Purpose of correctional system

2. The purpose of the correctional system is to contribute to maintaining and

protecting a just, peaceful and safe society by—
(a) enforcing sentences of the courts in the manner prescribed by this Acu 25
(b) detaining all prisoners in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity;
and
(c) promoting tie social responsibility and human development of dl prisoners
and persons subject to community corrections.

Establishment, functions and control of Department 30

3. (1) The Department of Correctional Services, established by section 7(2) of the

Pubiic Service Act, is part of the Public Service, established by section 197 of the
Constitution.
(2) The Department must—
(u) fulfil the purpose of the correctional system in terms of this Act; 35
(b) as far as practicable, be self-sufficient and operate according to business
principles; and
(c) perform all work necessary for its effective management.
(3) The Commissioner of Correctional Services is appointed in terms of the Public
Service Act, but the conditions of service of the Commissioner are governed by this Act 40
and he or she is also entitled to the privileges of a head of a department which are
conferred by the Public Service Act.
(4) The Department consists of tie Commissioner, other correctional ~ officirds
appointed by the Commissioner in terms of this Act and other employees appointed in
terms of the Public Service Act. 45
(5) The Department is under the control of the Commissioner, who must, without
derogating from the generality of subsection (2>
‘(a) determine the fixed establishment of the Department and the number and
grading of posts;
(b) determine the distribution of the numericrd strength of the Department; 50
(c) organise or reorganise the Department at a national or provincial level into
various components, units or groups;
(d) establish and maintain training institutions or centres for the training of
students or correctional officirds; -,
(e) award to any person who is or was a correctional 05cti..such monetary or 55
other reward for exceptional abihtyl {or [possessing Wecird qualifications or
rendering meritorious service, as is; fin tis or her opinion, a fitting reward;
 ~ award a monetary or othefreward to any person who performs react -which
promotes the interests of the Department; and
(g) appoint, promote, transfer or dismiss correctional officials in accordance witi
the provisions of tils Act and the Labour Relations Act.
(6) The Cotissioner and correctional officials must perfom the functions of the 5
Department as prescribed in tiis Act, subject to such policy as the Minister may
determine. ,,

CHAPTER IU

CUSTODY OF ALL PWSONERS UNDER CONDITIONS OF

HUMAN DIGNITY 10

Part A
General requirements

Approach to safe custody

4. (1) Every prisoner is required to accept the authority and to obey the lawful
instructions of the Commissioner and correctional oficials of the Department and 15
custody officials.
(2) (a) The Department must t&e such steps as are necess~y to ensure the safe
custody of every prisoner and to maintain security and good order in every prison.
(b) The duties and restrictions imposed on prisoners to ensure safe custody by
maintaining security and good order must be applied in such a manner that conforms 20
with their purpose and do not affect the prisoner to a greater degree or for a longer period
than necess~.
(c) The minimum rights of prisoners entrenched in this Act must not be violated or
restricted for disciplin~ or any other purpose.

Establishment of prisons 25

5. (1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazene, establish prisons for the detention
and treatment in accordance with this Act of persons who may lawfully be detained in
p r i s o n .
(2) (a) Any prison established under subsection (1) may serve one or more districts as
circumstances may require, and for the purposes of any law relating to magistrates’ 30
courts any prison established to serve more than one district is deemed to be tie prison
of each district served by that prison.
(b) If there is no prison in a district a prisoner may be detained in a police cell but not
for a period longer than one month unless a longer period is authorised by the
Commissioner. 35

Admission

6. (1) (a) A person may not be committed to a prison without a valid warrant for his
or her detention.
(b) Despite the wording of the warrant relating to the place of detention but subject to
the provisions of this Act, such warrant authorises the Commissioner to detin the 40
person concerned at any prison.
(2) At every prison there must be a register in which the following must be recorded:
(a) information concerning the identity of the prisoner;
(b) the reason for tie comrniti and the authority therefor; and
(c) the day and hour of admission and release. 45
Act No. Hl, 1998 COW~ONM S~WCM A~, 1998

(3) On admission, a prisoner must be informal prompdy of his or her right t~

(a) choose andconsdt with a legal practitioner or
(b) have a legal practitioner assigned by the State, at state expense, if substantial
injustice would otherwise result.
(4) (a) On admission a prisoner must be provided with written information in a 5
language which he or she understands about the rules governing the treatment of the
prisoners in his or her category, the disciplin~ requirements, the authorised channels of
communication for complaints and requests and dl such other matters as are necessary
to enable him or her to understand his or her rights and obligations.
(b) E a prisoner is ilhterate, a correctional oficid must explain this written 10
information to the prisoner, if necessary tiough an interpreter.
(c) The prisoner must confirm that he or she has understood the information so
conveyed.
(5) As soon as possible after admission, every prisoner must undergo a health status
examination, which must include testing for contagious and communicable diseases as 15
defined in the Health Act, 1977 (Act N;. 63 of 19?7), if in tie opinion of the medical
officer it is necessary.
(6) On admission the Commissioner must make a preliminary security classification
of the prisoner.

Accommodation 20

7. (1) Prisoners must be held in cells which meet the requirements prescribed by
regulation in respect of floor space, cubic capacity, lighting, ventilation, sanitary
installations and general health conditions. These requirements must be adequate for
detention under conditions of human dignity.
(2) (a) Sentenced prisoners must be kept separate from unsentenced prisoners. 25
(b) Male prisoners must be kept separate from female prisoners.
(c) Prisoners who are children must be kept separate from adult prisoners and in
accommodation appropriate to their age.
(d) Further requirements that prisoners of specific age, health categories or security
risk categories must be kept separate must be prescribed by regulation. 30
(3) There may be departures from the provisions of subsection (2)(u) to (c) if such
departures are approved by the Head of Prison and effected under supervision of a
correctional official and are undertaken for the purpose of providing development or
support services or medical treatment, but under no circumstances may there be
departures in respect of sleeping accommodation. 35

Nutrition

8. (1) Each prisoner must be provided with an adequate diet to promote good health,
as prescribed in the regulations.
(2) Such diet must make provision for the nutritional requirements of children,
pregnant women and any other category of prisoners whose physical condition requires 40
a special diet.
(3) Where reasonably practicable, dietary regulations must take into account religious
requirements and cultural preferences.
(4) The medical officer may order a variation in the prescribed diet for a prisoner and
the intervals at which the food is served, when such a variation is required for medicd 45
reasons.
(5) Food must be well prepared and served at intervals of not less than four and a hdf
hours and not more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast during each
24-hour period.
(6) Clean drinking water must be available to every prisoner. 50

Hygiene

9.(1 ) Every prisoner must keep his or her person, clothing, bedding and cell clean and
tidy.
(2) The Department must. provide the means to do so.

,,
Clothing-d Nding , . ,, ,,
.’!j:, ?iL f,

10. (1) rThe..Department must provide e;ery prisoner with clothing and bedding
sufficient to meet the requirements of hygiene and ctimatic conditions.
(2) Despite;the provisions,of subsection (l), unsentenced prisoners maybe a~owed to
retain or acq~ appropriate clothing or bedding. 5
,. .,,”.
Exercise .?,,

11. Eve~ipn:oner must be given the opportunity to exercise sufficiently in order to

remain healthy and is entitled to at least one hour of exercise daily. If the weather
permits, this exercise must take place in the open air.

H e a l t h mre 10

12. (1) The Department must provide, within its available resources, adequate health
care services, based on the principles of primary health care, in order to allow every
prisoner to lead a herdthy life.
(2) (a) Every prisoner has the right to adequate medical treatment but no prisoner is
entitled “to cosmetic medical treatment at State expense. 15
(b) Medicd treatment must be provided by a medical oficer, medical practitioners or
by a specialist or health care institution or person or institution identified by such
medical officer except where the medical treatment is provided by a medical practitioner
in terms of subsection (3).
(3) Every prisoner may be visited and examined by a medical practitioner of his or her 20
choice and, subject to the permission of the Head of Prison, may be treated by such
practitioner, in-whch event the prisoner is personally liable for the costs of any such
consultatiod:w’xtination, service or treatment.
(4) (a) ’Every prisoner should be encouraged to undergo medical treatment necessary
for the maintenance or recovery of his or her health. 25
(b) No pfis~er may be compelled to undergo medical examination, intervention or
treatment “without informed’ consent unless failure to submit to such medicd
examination, intervention or meatrnent will pose a threat to the health of other persons.
(c) Except as providd in p~agraph (d), no surgery maybe performed on a prisoner
without his or her informed consent, or, in the case of a minor, with the written consent 30
of his or her legal guardian.
(d) Consent to surgery is not required if, in the opinion of the medical practitioner who
is treating tie-prisoner, the intervention is in the interests of the prisoner’s health and the
prisoner is unable to give such consent, or, in the case of a minor, if it is not possible or
practical to delay it in order to obtain the consent of his or her legal guardian. 35

Contact with community

13. (1) The Department must encourage prisoners to maintain contact with the
community and enable them to stay abreast of current affairs.
(2) The Department must give prisoners the opportunity, under such supervision as
may be necessary, of communicating with and being visited by at least their spouses or 40
partners, next of kin, chosen religious counselors and chosen medical practitioners.
(3) In dl circurnstinces, a minimum of one hour must be allowed for visits each
month.
(4) If a prisoner is not able to receive visits from his or her spouse, partner or next of
kin, the prisoner is entitled to be visited by any other person each month. 45
(5) A prisoner who is a foreign national must be allowed to communicate with the
appropriate diplomatic or consular representative or, where there is no such represen-
tative, wl~’ a diplomatic representative of the state or international organisation whose
task it is to protect the interests of such prisoner.
(6) (a) On admission to a prison and after transfer to another prison, a prisoner must 50
notify his or her next of kin that he or she is being detained in a particular prison, and
if—
B No. 19522 GOVERN~~ G-~, 27 NO-ER 1998

Act NO. 111, 1998 COWCmONM SERVICB Am, 1998

(i) the next of hn are urdmown, tie prisoner may notify any other relative;
(ii) the prisoner does not wish to notify his or her next of tin, the prisoner must
indicate this to the Head of Prison.
(b) The Commissioner must ensure that dl reasonable steps are &en to enable a
prisoner to notify tis or her next of tin in terms of paragraph (a) and, if necessary, steps 5
must be ttien to notify his or her next of hn on his or her behalf.
(c) (i) In the case of a prisoner who is a child, the Commissioner must notify the
appropriate state authorities who have statutory responsibility for the education and
welfare of children as well as the parents of the prisoner when this is required in terms
of paragraph (a). 10
(ii) If no parent is available, the Commissioner must notify the legal guardian and if
the legal guardian is not available the next of tin or other relative must be notified.
(iii) A prisoner who is a child may not refuse to allow notification.
(d) If requested by the spouse, partner or next of tin, the Commissioner must as soon
as practicable, with the written consent of the prisoner, give particulars of the place 15
where the prisoner is detained.

Religion, betief and opinion

14. (1) A prisoner must be allowed freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief
and opinion.
(2) Apnsoner may attend religious services and meetings held in the prison freely and 20
voluntarily and may have in his or her possession religious literature.
(3) Where practicable, places of worship must be provided at every prison for
prisoners of dl religious denominations.
(4) No prisoner maybe compelled to attend religious services or meetings or to tie
part in religious practices. 25

Death in prison

15. (1) Where a prisoner dies and a medical practitioner cannot certify that the death
was due to natural causes, the Head of Prison must in terms of section 2 of the Inquests
Act, 1959 (Act No. 58 of 1959), report such deati.
(2) Any death in prison must be reported forthwith to the Inspecting Judge who may 30
carry out or instruct the Commissioner to conduct any enquiry.
(3) The Head of Prison must forthwith inform the next of tin of the prisoner who has
died or, if the next of tin are utiown, any other relative.

Development and support services

16. (1) The Department may provide development and support services even when 35
not required to do so by this Act.
(2) In dl instances, when the Department does not provide such senices, the
Commissioner must inform prisoners of services available from other sources and put
prisoners who request such services in touch with appropriate agencies.

Access to legal advice 40

17. (1) Every prisoner is entitled to consult on any legal matter with a Iegd
practitioner of his or her choice at his or her own expense.
(2) The ~nister may, by regulation, impose restrictions on the manner in which such
consultations are conducted if such restrictions are necessary for the safe custody of
prisoners, but legal confidentiality must be respected. 45
(3) The Head of Prison must t~e reasonable steps to enable prisoners to exercise the
substantive rights referred to in section 6(3).
26 No,,i~522 GOW~ G~ 27 NOWER 1998

Act No, 111,1998 CO~~ONfi SERWC~ ACT, 1998

(4) Prisoners factig trial or sentence must be provided with the opportunities and
facilities to prepare their defence.
!,
R-ding material
.,
18. (1) Every prisoner must be allowed access to available reading material of his or
her choice, unless such matenrd constitutes a sectity risk or is not conducive to his or 5
her rehabilitation.
(2) Such reading material may be drawn from a library in the prison or may be sent to
the prisoner’from outside the prison in a manner prescribed by regulation.

Children

19. (1) (a) Every prisoner who is a child and is subject to compulsory education must 10
attend and have access to such education programmed.
(b) Where practicable, d] children who are prisoners not subject to compulsory
education must be allowed access to educational programmed.
(2) The Commissioner must provide every prisoner who is a child with social work
services, religious care, recreational programrnes and psychological services. 15
(3) The Commissioner must, if practicable, ensure that prisoners who are children
remain in contact with their families through additiond visits and by other means.

Mothers of young children

20. (1) A female prisoner may be permitted, subject to such conditions as may be
prescribed, -to have her child with her until such child is five years of age. 20
(2) The Depmment is responsible for food, clothing, health care and facilities for the
sound development of the child for the period that such child remains in prison.
(3) Whe~ practicable, the Commissioner must ensure that a mother and child unit is
available for the accommodation of female prisoners and the children whom they may
be permitted to have with them. 25

Complaints and requests

21. (1) Every prisoner must, on admission and on a daily basis, be given the
opportunity of making complaints or requests to the Head of Prison or a correctional
official authorised to represent such Head of Wson.
(2) The official referred to in subsection (1) must— 30
(a) record all such complaints and requests and any steps taken in dealing with
them;
(b) deal with complaints and requests promptly and inform the prisoner of the
outcome; and
(c) if the complaint concerns an alleged assault, ensure that the prisoner 35
undergoes an immediate medical examination and receives the prescribed
treatment.
(3) If a prisoner is not satisfied with the response to his or her complaint or request,
the prisoner may indicate this together with the reasons for the dissatisfaction to the
Head of Prison, who must refer the matter to the Area Manager. 40
(4) The response of the Area Manager must be conveyed to the prisoner.
(5) If not satisfied with the response of the Area Manager, the prisoner may refer the
matter to the Independent Prison Visitor, who must deal with it in terms of the
procedures laid down in section 93.
28 No. ‘19522 GO~;G~27 NO-U 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CO~~ONti SERVICW Am, 1998

Eart B ,,

Dkcipline

General

22. (1) Discipline md order must be maintaind’ with ~ess but in no greater
measure than is necessary for security purposes and good order in prison. 5
(2) In case of any conviction in a court of law for an offence committed by a,person
whilst a prisoner, the Department, on the strength of such conviction, may witiout any
further inquiry t&e disciplinary action in terms of tiis Act.
(3) Disciplinary action may be t&en against any prisoner, even though criminal
proceedings may be pending or in progress against such prisoner. 10
(4) No prisoner must in any way be involved in the implementation of any
disciplinary measures.

Disciplinary infringements

23. (1) A prisoner commits a disciplinary infringement if he or she—

(a) replies dishonestly to legitimate questions put by a correctional official or 15
other person employed h a prison;
(b) disobeys a lawful command or order by a correctional official or fails to
comply with any regulation or order;
(c) is abusive to any person;
(d) fails or refuses to perform any labour or other duty imposed or authorised by 20
this Act;
(e) is careless or negbgent with regard to any labour or duty imposed or
authorised by this Act;
f) uses insulting, obscene or tieatening language;
(g) conducts himself or herself indecently by word, act or gesture; 25
(h) commits an assault;
(i) communicates with any person at a time when or a place where it is
prohibited;
(j) m&es unnecessary noise or causes a nuisance;
(k) without permission leaves the cell or other assigned place; 30
(1) in any manner defaces or damages any part of the prison or any article therein
or any state property;
(m) possesses an unauthorised article;
(n) commits theft;
(0) creates or participates in a disturbance or foments a mutiny or engages in any 35
other activity that is lkely to jeopmdise the security or order of a prison;
(P) professes to be a member of a gang or t&es part in gang activities;
(q) m&es a dishonest accusation against a correctional official or fellow prisone~
(r) conceals, destroys, alters, defaces or disposes of an identification card,
document or any issued article; 40
(s) commits an act with the intention of endangering his or her life, injuring his or
her health or impairing his or her abifity to work or
(r) attempts to do anything referred to in tiis seetion.
(2) A prisone~ who assists, co~spires with or incites another person to contravene a
provision of subsection (1) cornmitsa disciplinary .tiringement. 45

Procedures and penalties

24. (1) Disciplinary hearings must be fair and may be conducted either by a
disciplinary official or a Head of Prison.
(2) A hearing before a Head of Prison must be conducted informally and without
representation. At such hearing the prisoner must be informed of the allegation against 50
him or her and have the right to refute the allegation.
30 No. 19522 GOw~-G~, 27 NO._~’1998
Act No. 111, 198 COWC~ONM S~VIC~ ACT, 1998

(3) Where the hearing tkes place before the Head of Prison, the following penalties
may be imposed severally or in the alternative:
(a) a reprimand;
(b) a loss of gratuity for a period not exceeding one month;
(c) restriction of amenities not exceeding seven days. 5
(4) At a hearing before a disciplinary official a prisoner—
(a) must be informed of the allegation in writing;
(b) has the right to be present throughout the hearing;
(c) has the right to be heard, to cross-extine and to call witnesses; and
(d) has the right to be given reasons for the decision. 10
(5) Where the hearing t&es place before a disciplinary official, the following
penalties may be imposed severally or in the alternative:
(a) a reprimand;
(b) a loss of gratuity for a period not exceeding two months;
(c) restriction of amenities not exceeding 42 days; 15
(d) in the case of serious or repeated infringements, solitary confinement for a
period not exceeding 30 days.
(6) The penalties referred to in subsections (3) and (5) maybe suspended for such
period and on such conditions as the presiding official deems fit.
(7) (a) At the request of the offender proceedings resulting in any penrdty other than 20
solitary confinement must be referred for review to the Commissioner.
(b) The Commissioner may confirm or set aside the decision or penalty and substitute
an appropriate order for it.

Solitiry confinement

25. (1) A penalty of solitary confinement must be referred to the Inspecting Judge for 25
review. The Inspecting Judge must within three days, after considering the record of the
proceedings and a report from a registered nurse, psychologist or the medical o5cer on
the health status of the prisoner concerned, confirm or set aside the decision or penalty
and substitute an appropriate order for it.
(2) The penalty of solitary confinement may only be implemented when the 30
Inspecting Judge has confirmed such penalty.
(3) A prisoner in solitary confinement must be visited at least once every four hours
by a correctional 05cial, once a day by the Head of Prison, and his or her health assessed
once a day by a registered nurse or psychologist or a medical 05cer.
(4) Solitary confinement must be discontinued if in the view of the registered nurse, 35
psychologist or medical 05cer it poses a threat to the physical or mental health of the
prisoner.

Part C

Securi~

Safe custody 40

26. (1) The right of every prisoner to personal integrity and privacy is subject to the
limitations reasonably necessary to ensure the security of the community, the safety of
correctional 05cials and the safe custody of all prisoners.
(2) In order to achieve these objectives and subject to the limitations outlined in
sections 27 to 35, a correctional o5cial may— 45
(a) search the person of a prisoner, his or her property and the place where he or
she is in custody and seize any object or substance which may pose a threat to
the security of the prison or of any person, or which could be used as evidence
in a criminal trial or disciplinary proceedings;
(b) t~e steps to identify the prisoner; 50
(c) classify prisoners and allocate segregated accommodation, including single
cells;
(d) apply mechanical means of restraint; and
(e) use reasonable force.
 32 No. 19522 , GOVERNM~ ~, 27.NOWB~ 198

Act No. 111, 1998 CORMC~ONU SERVIC~ ACT, 1998

Swrches

27. (1) The person of a prisoner may be searched by a manual search, or search by
technical means, of the clothed body.
(2) Upon reasonable grounds, the person of a prisoner may be searched in the
following ways: 5
(a) A search by visual inspection of the naked body;
(b) search by the physical probing of any bodily orifice;
(c) a search by ting a body tissue or body excretion sample for analysis;
(d) a search by the use of an X-ray machine or technical device, by a qualified
technician, if there are reasonable grounds for beheving that a prisoner has 10
swallowed or excreted any object or substance that may be needed as an
exhibit in a hearing or may pose a danger to himself or herself or to
correctional officirds or to the security of the prison; and
(e) by detaining a prisoner in a manner prescribed by regulation for the recovery
by the normal excretory process of an object that may pose a danger to himself 15
or herself, to any correctional official to any other person or to the security of
the prison.
(3) A search of the person of a prisoner is subject to the following restrictions:
● (a) the search must be conducted in a manner which invades the privacy and
undermines the dignity of the prisoner as little as possible; 20
(b) a correctional official of the same gender as the prisoner must conduct the
search and correctional officials of the other gender must not be present;
(c) dl searches must be conducted in private;
(d) searches contemplated in subsections (1) and (2) must be authorised by the
Head of Prison but searches in terms of subsection (2)(b), (c), (d) and (e) must 25
be executed or supervised by a registered nurse, medical officer or medicd
practitioner, depending on the procedure necessary to effect the search.
(4) A correctionrd official or person conducting a search in terms of this section may
seize anything found.

Identification 30

28. (1) To ensure safe custody the following steps maybe taken to identify a prisoner:
(a) the taking of finger and palm prints;
(b) the taking of photographs;
(c) the ascertaining of external physical characteristics;
(d) the taking of measurements; and 35
(e) referral of the prisoner to the medical officer to ascertain the age of the
prisoner.
The prisoner may request that, at his or her own expense, his or her private medical
practitioner be present at an investigation referred to in paragraph (e).
(2) Identification data obtained in this way must be included in the prisoner’s personal 40
file.
(3) If as a result of ascertaining the age of a prisoner in terms of subsection (1)(e) or
for any other reason it appears to the Head of Prison that the court’s determination of the
age of the said prisoner is incorrect, the Head of Prison may remit the case to the court
concerned for a reappraisal of the prisoner’s age. 45

Security classification

29. Security classification is determined by the extent to which the prisoner presents
a security risk and so as to determine the prison or part of a prison in which he or she is
to be detained.
34 No. 19522 GOVEW~ G~,27 NOVEMB~ 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CORM~ONM SERW~ Am, 1998

Segregation

30. (1) Segregation of a prisoner for a period of time, which maybe for part of or the
whole day and which may include detention in a single cell, is permissible—
(a) upon the written request of a prisoner;
(b) to give effect to the penalty of the restriction of amenities imposed in terms of 5
section 24(3)(c) or (5)(c) to the extent necess~ to achieve this objective;
(c) if such detention is prescribed by the medical officer on medical grounds;
(d) when a prisoner displays violence or is threatened with violence;
(e) if a prisoner has been recaptured after escape and there is a reasonable
suspicion that such prisoner will again escape or attempt to escape; and 10
(H if at the request of the police, the Head of Prison considers that it is in the
interests of the administration of justice.
(2) (a) A prisoner who is segregated in terms of subsection (1)(b) to &)—
(i) must be visited by a correctional official at least once every four hours
and by the Head of Prison at least once a day; and 15
(ii) must have his or her health assessed by a registered nurse, psycholo&ist
or a medical officer at least once a day.
(h) Segregation must be discontinued if the registered nurse, psychologist or medical
officer determines that it poses a threat to the health of the prisoner.
(3) A request for segregation in terms of subsection (1)(a) maybe withdrawn at any 20
time.
(4) Segregation in terms of subsection (1)(c) to (fl may only be enforced for the
minimum period that is necess~ and this period may not, subject to the provisions of
subsection (5), exceed seven days.
(5) If the Head of Prison believes that it is necessary to extend the period of 25
segregation in terms of subsection (1)(c) to ~) and if the medical officer or psychologist
certifies that such an extension would not be harmful to tie health of the prisoner. he or
she may, with the permission of the Commissioner, extend the period of segregation for
a period not exceeding 30 days.
(6) All instances of segregation and extended segregation must be reported 30
immediately by the Head of Prison to the Area Manager and to the Inspecting Judge.
(7) A prisoner who is subjected to segregation may refer the matter to the Inspecting
Judge who must decide thereon within 72 hours after receipt thereof.
(8) Segregation must be for the minimum period, and place the minimum restrictions
on the prisoner, compatible with the purpose for which the prisoner is being segregated. 35
(9) Except in so far as it maybe necess~ in terms of subsection (1)(b) segregation
may never be ordered as a form of punishment or disciplinary measure.

Mechanical restraints

31. (1) If it is necessary for the safety of a prisoner or any other person, or the
prevention of damage to any property, or if a reasonable suspicion exists that a prisoner 40
may escape, or if requested by a court, a correctional official may restrain a prisoner by
mechanical restraints as prescribed by regulation.
(2) A prisoner may not be brought before court whilst in mechanical restraints except
handcuffs or leg-irons, unless authorised by the court.
(3) (a) When a prisoner is in solitary confinement or in segregation and mechanical 45
restraints are to be used, such use of mechanical restraints must be authorised by the
Head of Prison and the period may not, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (b) and
(c), exceed seven days.
36 No. 19522 GOVERN~NT G~, 27 NOVW~ 1W8

Act No. 111, 1998 CORM~ONti SERWC~ ACT, 1998

(b) Mechanical restraints may only be used for the minimum period necessary and
this period may not, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c), exceed seven days.
(c) me Commissioner may extend such period for a maximum period not exceeding
30 days after consideration of a report by a medicd officer or psychologist.
(4) All cases of the use of such mechanical restraints except handcu~s or leg-irons 5
must be reported immediately by the Head of Prison to the Area Manager and to the
Inspecting Judge. . .
(5) A prisoner who is subjected to such restraints may appeal against the decision to
the Inspecting Judge who must decide thereon within 72 hours after receipt
thereof. 10
(6) Mechanical restraints may never be ordered as a form of punishment or
disciplinary measure.

Use of force

32. (1) (a) Every correctional official is authorised to use dl lawful means to detain in
safe custody all prisoners and, subject to the restrictions of this Actor any other law, may 15
use force to achieve this objective where no other means are available.
(b) A minimum degree of force must be used and the force must be proportionate to
the objective.
(2) Force may be used ody when authorised by the Head of Prison, unless a
correctional official reasonably believes that the Head of Prison would authorise the use 20
of force and that the delay in obtining such authorisation would defeat the objective.
(3) If, after a correctional official ‘has tried to obtain authorization, force is used
without prior permission, the correctional official must report the action t&en to the
Head of Prison as soon as reasonably possible.
(4) Any such permission or insmction to use force may include the use of non-lethal 25
incapacitating devices or firearms, subject to the restrictions set out in sections 33 md
34.
(5) If force was used, the prisoner concerned must undergo an immediate medicd
examination and receive the prescribed treatment.

Non-lethti incapacitating devices 30

33. (1) Non-lethal incapaciuting devices may only be issued to a correctional official
on the authority of the Head of Prison or the Head of Community Corrections.
(2) Such devices may only be used by a correctional official specifically trained in
their use.
(3) Such devices may be used in the manner prescribed by regulation and then only — 35
(a) if a prisoner fails to lay down a weapon or some other dangerous instrument
in spite of being ordered to do so;
(b) if the security of the prison or safety of prisoners or others is threatened by one
or more prisoners; or
(c) for the purpose of preventing an escape. 40
(4) Whenever such devices are used, their use must be reported in writing and as
prescribed by regulation.

Firearms

34. (1) A firearm may only be issued to a correctional official on the authority of the
Head of Prison or the Head of Community Corrections. 45
(2) A firearm may only be used by a correctional official specifica]]y trained in its use.
(3) A firearm must be used in the manner prescribed by regulation and only when the
security of the prison or the safety of prisoners or others is threatened.
(4) Whenever a firearm is used its use must be reported in writing and as prescribed
by regulation. 50
38 No. 19522 WVEm~G~, 27 NOWER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 COW~ONAL SERVIC~ ACT, 1998

Other weapons

35. (1) The use of weapons other than non-lethal incapacitating devices or firearms
may be authorised by the Commissioner as prescribed by regulation.
(2) Such regulations must prescribe the training, manner of use, control and reporting
procedures. 5

SENTENCED PWSONERS

Objective of implementation of sentence of imprisonment

36. With due regard to the fact that the deprivation of liberty serves the purposes of
punishment, tie implementation of a sentence of imprisonment has the objective of 10
enabling the sentenced prisoner to lead a socially responsible and crime-free life in the
future.

General principles

37. (1) In addition to the obligations which apply to all prisoners every sentenced
prisoner must— 15
(a) participate in tie assessment process and the design and implementation of
any development plan or programrne aimed at achieving the said objective:
and
(b) perform any Iabour which is related to any development programme or which
generally is designed to foster habits of industry, unless the medical officer or 20
psychologist certifies in writing that he or she is physically or mentally unfit
to perform such labour.
(2) In addition to providing a regime which meets the minimum requirements of this
Act, the Department must seek to provide amenities which will create an environment
in which sentenced prisoners will be able to live with dignity and develop the ability to 25
lead a socially responsible and crime-free life.
(3) All such amenities must be. prescribed by regulation and as far as possible be
available to all sentenced prisoners unless, for economic or other practical reasons, such
amenities can be introduced in some prisons only, in which case, their partial
introduction should be on a non-discriminatory basis. 30
(4) In addition to the general purpose stated in section 22, the disciplinary system for
sentenced prisoners shall have the particular aim of promoting self-respect and
responsibility on the part of the prisoner,

Assessment

38. (1) As soon as possible after admission as a sentenced prisoner, such prisoner must 35
be assessed to detemine his or her—
(a) security classification for purposes of safe custody;
(b) health needs;
(c) educational needs;
(d) social and psychological needs; 40
(e) religious needs;
m specific development programme needs;
(g) work allocation;
(h) allocation to a specific prison; and
(j) needs regarding reintegration into the community. 45
(2) In the case of a sentence of imprisonment of 12 months or more, the manner in
which the sentence should be served must be planned in the light of this assessment and
any comments by the sentencing court.
40 No. 19522 GOVEWH G~E, 27 NOW~ 1998

Act No. 111,1998 COW~ONAL S~VI~ Am, 1998

Commencement, competition and termination of sentences

39. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) a sentence of imprisonment t&es
effect from the day on which that sentence is passed, udess it is suspended under the
provisions of any law or unless the sentenced person is released on bail pending a
decision of a higher court, in which case the sentence t~es effect from the day on which 5
he or she submits to or is t&en into custody.
(2) (a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b), a person who receives more than
one sentence of imprisonment or receives additional sentences while serving a term of
imprisonment, must serve each such sentence, the one after the expiration, setting aside
or remission of the other, in such order as the Commissioner may determine, unless the 10
coun specifically directs otherwise, or unless the court directs that such sentences shall
run concurrently but—
(i) any determinate sentence of imprisonment to be served by any person runs
concurrently with a life senknce or with sentence of imprisonment to be
served by such person in consequence of being declared an habitual crirnind 15
or a dangerous criminal;
(ii) one or more life sentences and one or more sentences to be served in
consequence of a person being declared an habitual criminal or a dangerous
criminal also run concurrently; and
(iii) no placement or release of a dangerous criminal may t~e place other than in ~o
terms of section 286B of the Criminal Procedure Act.
(b) In the case of the imposition of more thm one period of imprisonment, the
non-parole period or periods, fixed by the court must be served consecutively before a
prisoner becomes eIigible for parole.
(3) The date of expiry of any sentence of imprisonment being served by a prisoner 25
who escapes from lawful custody extradited in terms of the Extradition Act, 1962 (Act
No. 67 of 1962), and returns to the Republic or who is unlawfully discharged is
postponed by the period by which such sentence was interrupted.
(4) Any person whose sentence expires on a Sunday or public holiday must be
discharged on the day preceding such Sunday or pubhc holiday. 30
(5) (a) If a person receives more than one sentence of correctional supervision
referred to in section 276(1)(h) of the Crirnind Procedure Act, or receives additional
sentences of correctional supervision while serving .a sentence of correctional
supervision referred to in section 276(1)(h) of the Criminal Procedure Act, each such
sentence must be served the one after the expiration, setting aside or remission of the 35
other in such order as the Cornrnissioner may determine, unless the court specifically
directs otherwise, or unless the court directs that such sentences shall run concurrently.
(b) If a person sentenced to correctionrd supervision is sentenced to imprisonment for
an offence committed before the commencement of the correctional supervision, the
correctional supervision must be postponed until placement under correctional 40
supervision has again been approved or until tie expiration, setting aside or remission of
the sentence of imprisonment.
(c) If a person sentenced to correctional supervision is placed on parole, the
correctional supervision must be served before the parole may commence.
(d) If a person sentenced to correctional supervision or parolee is sentenced to 45
periodical imprisonment, the sentence of periodical imprisonment and the correctional
supervision or parole, as the case may be, must be served simultaneously, unless the
court directs otherwise.
(e) If a person sentenced to correctional supervision or parolee is served with a
warrant of detention for contempt of court, the correctional supervision or parole, as the 50
case may be, must be postponed for the period specified in the warrant of detention.
~) If a parolee is sentenced to imprisonment for an offence committed before the
commencement of the parole, the parole must be regarded as cancelled and the matter be
referred to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board concerned for consideration.
42 No. 19522 GO~ G~, 27 NOW~ER 1998

Ad No. 111,1998 CORM~ONti SERWC~ Am, 1998

(6) (a)After the Commissioner is satisfied bat a prisoner has been releasedfiom a
prison erroneously, he or she may issue a warrant for the arrest of such a prisoner to be
readmitted to prison, to serve the rest of his or her sentence.
(b) A warrant issued in terms of subsection (6)(a), may be executed by any peace
officer as defined in section 1 of the Cnrnind Procedure Act. 5

Labour of sentenced prisoners

40. (1) Sufficient work must as far as is practicable be provided to keep prisoners
active for a normal working day and a prisoner may be compelled to do such work.
(2) A sentenced prisoner may not work or conduct any business on his or her own
account. 10
(3) A sentenced prisoner may elect the type of work he or she prefers to perform, if
such choice is practicable and in accordance with an appropriate vocational programme,
(4) The gratuity that sentenced prisoners receive for their labour and their conditions
of work must be prescribd by regulation.
(5) A prisoner may never be instructed or compelled to work as a form of punishment 15
or disciplinary measure.
(6) Work performed by a prisoner must be in accordance with the principles contained
in section 37(1)(b) and the performance thereof will not constitute an employment
relationship with the Department.

fieatment, development and support services 20

41. (1) The Department must provide or give access to as full a range of programmed
and activities as is practicable to meet the education and training needs of sentenced
prisoners.
(2) Sentenced prisoners who are illiterate or children maybe compelled to take part
in the educational programmed offered in terms of subsection (1). 25
(3) The Department must provide social and psychoiogicrd services in order to
develop and support sentenced prisoners by promoting their socird functioning and
mental health.
(4) The Department must provide as far as practicable other development and support
prograrnmes which meet specific needs of sentenced prisoners. 30
(5) Sentenced prisoners have the right to take part in the programmed and use the
services offered in terms of subsections (1), (3) and (4).
(6) Sentenced prisoners may be compelled to participate in programmed and to use
services offered in terms of subsections (1), (3) and (4) where in the opinion of the
Commissioner their participation is necessary, having regard to the nature of their 35
previous criminal conduct and the risk they pose to the community.
(7) Programmed must be responsive to special needs of women and they must ensure
that women are not disadvantaged.

Case Management Committee

42. (1) At each prison there must be a Case Management Committee composed of 40
correctional officials as prescribed by regulation,
(2) The Case Mana~ement comfi~ee must—
(a) ensure that each sentenced prisoner has been assessed, and that for prisoners
serving more than twelve months there is a plan specified in section 38(2);
(b) interview, at regular intervals, each prisoner sentenced to more than twelve 45
months, review the plan for such prisoners and the progress made and, if
necessary, amend such plan;
(c) make preliminary arrangements, in consultation with the Head of Community
Corrections for possible placement of a prisoner under community correc-
tions; 50
(d) submit a report, together with the relevant documents, to the Correctional
Supervision and Parole Board regarding—
(i) the offence or offences for which the sentenced prisoner is serving a term
of imprisonment together with the judgment on the merits and any
Act No. 111, 1998 CO~~ONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

remarks made by’ the -court in question at the time of the imposition of
sentence if made available to the Dep~ent;
(ii) the previous criminal record of such prisoner
(iii) the conduct, disciplinary record, adaptation, training, aptitude, indus~,
physical and mental state of such prisonen 5
(iv) the likelihood of a relapse into crime, the risk posed to the community
and the manner in which this risk can be reduced, ,d
(v) a prisoner who has been declared an habitual criminal which indicates
that—
(aa) there is a reasonable probability that the prisoner wilI in future 10
abstain from crime and lead a useful and industrious life; or
(bb) the prisoner is no longer capable of engaging in crime; or
(cc) for any other reason, it is desirable to place the prisoner on parole;
(vi) the possible re-placement of such prisoner under correctional supervi-
sion in terms of a sentence provided for in section 276( 1 )(i) or 287(4)(a) 15
of the Criminal Procedure Act, or in terms of the conversion of such
prisoner’s sentence into correctional supervision under section
276 A(3)(e) (ii), 286B(4)(b)(ii) or 287(4)(bj of the said Act, and the
conditions for such placement;
(vii) the possible placement of such prisoner on day parole or on parole, and 20
the conditions for fich placement; and
(viii) such other matters as the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board may
request; and
(e) at the request of the Area Manager, submit a report contemplated in paragraph
(d) to him or her in respect of any prisoner sentenced to 12 months. 25
imprisonment or less.
(3) A prisoner must be informed of the contents of the report submitted by the Case
Management Committee to the Correctionti Supervision and Parole Board or the Area
Manager and be afforded the opportunity to submit written representations to the
Correctional Supervision and Parole Board or Area Manager, as the case may be. 30

Location and transfer of prisoners

43. (1) A sentenced prisoner must be housed at the prison closest to the place where
he or she is to reside after release, with due regard to the availability of accommodation
and facilities to meet his or her security requirements and with reference to the
availability of programmed. 35
(2) The transfer of a prisoner is subject to the same consideration.
(3) A prisoner must be examined by the registered nurse or medical officer before his
or her transfer. Where such a prisoner is being treated by a medical practitioner, he or she
must not be transferred until the prisoner has been discharged from the treatment or the
transfer has been approved by the medical officer after consultation with the Head of 40
Prison.
(4) The Commissioner may, in consultation with the Director-General of the
Department of Welfare. transfer a sentenced child to a reform school as contemplated in
the Child Care Act, 1983 (Act No. 74 of 1983), and from the date of such transfer, the
provisions of section 290 of the Criminal Procedure Act will apply. 45
,.
Temporary Iave

44. (1) The Commissioner may grant permission in writing on such conditions and for
such periods as he or she may specify, for a sentenced prisoner to leave prison
temporarily for the purpose of—
(a) compassionate leave; 50
(b) treatment, development or support progrmes;
(c) preparation for release; or
(d) any other reason related to the successful reintegration of the prisoner into the
community.
46 No. 19522 GOVE~ G~, 27 NOWER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRE~ONM SERVICES Am, 1998

(2) (a) A prisoner who is granted permission to leave prison remains a prisoner even
while temporarily outside prison and may be placed under escort or under supervision.
(b) If the prisoner is placed under supervision the provisions of section 58 relating to
supervision will apply, with the necessq changes.
(3) (a) Any permission in terms of subsection (1) maybe withdrawn at any time by the 5
Commissioner.
(b) In that event the Commissioner must inform the prisoner concerned and if such
prisoner is outside prison direct him or her to return to prison by a specified time.
(4) A prisoner who fails to return to prison at the specified time, is guilty of an offence
and liable on conviction to the penalty prescribed h section 117. 10

Placement and rel-e

45. (1) A sentenced prisoner must be prepared for placement, release and reintegration
into society by participating in a pre-release prograrnme.
(2) Where a prisoner is to be placed under correctional supervision or to be released
on parole there must be compliance with section 55(3). 15
(3) At release, sentenced prisoners must be provided with material and financial
suppoti as prescribed by regulation.

C~PTER V

UNSENTENCED PRISONERS

General principles 20

46. (1) Unsentenced prisoners may be subjected only to those restrictions necessw
for the maintenance of security and good order in the prison and must, where
practicable, be allowed rdl the amenities to which they could have access outside prison.
(2) The amenities available to unsentenced prisoners which may be restricted for
disciplinary purposes must be determined by regulation. 25

Clothing

47. No unsentenced prisoner may be compelled to wear prison clothes, unless the
prisoner’s own clothing is improper or insanitary or needs to be preserved in the interests
of the administration of justice and the prisoner is unable to obtain other suitable
clothing from another source. 30

Food and drink

48. Subject to restrictions which may be prescribed by regulation, unsentenced

prisoners may have food and drink sent to them in prison.

Visitors and communication

49. Subject to restrictions which may be laid down by regulation, unsentenced 35

prisoners may receive visitors and write and receive letters and communicate
telephonically.
48 No. 19522 GOVERN~W G~, 27 NOWB~ 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CO=~ONM SERVICES Am, 1998

CHAPTER VI

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS

Objectives of community corrections

50. (1) The objectives of community corrections are to enable persons subject to
community corrections .to lead a socially responsible and crime-free life during the 5
period of their sentence and in future. These objectives do not apply to restrictions
imposed in terms of sections 62~) or 71 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
(2) The immediate aim of the implementation of community corrections is to ensure
that persons subject to community corrections abjde by tie conditions imposed upon
them in order to protect the community from offences which such persons may commit. 10

Persons subject to community corrections

51. (1) Persons subject to community corrections are—

(a) those placed under correctional supervision in terms of sections 6(1)(c),
2 7 6 ( 1 )(h), 2 7 6 ( l ) ( i ) , 276A(3)(a)(ii), 276A(3)(e)(ii), 286B(4)(b)(ii).
286B(5)(b)(iii), 287(4)(a), 287(4)(b), 297( 1 )(a)(i)(ccA), 297( l)(b) or 297(4) 15
of the Criminal Procedure Act;
(b) while out of prison, prisoners who have been granted tempor~ leave in terms
of section 44;
(c) while out of prison, those placed on day parole in terms of section 54;
(d) those placed on parole in terms of section 73; and ~o
(e) those placed under the supervision of a correctional official in terms of
sections 62(f), 71, 290( 1)(a) and 290(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
(2) No order imposing community corrections maybe made unless the person who is
to be subjected to community corrections agrees that it should be made according to the
stipulated conditions and undertakes to co-operate in meeting them. 25
(3) Before the consideration of the placement of a child, the parent or guardian, where
practicable, must be informed of the proposed placement.

Conditions relating to community corrections

52. (1) When community corrections are ordered, a court, Correctional Supervision
and Parole Board, the Commissioner or other body which has the statutory authority to 30
do so, may, subject to the limitations in subsection (2) and the qualifications of this
Chapter, stipulate that the person concemed—
- (a) is- placed under house detention;
(b) does community service;
(c) seeks employment; 35
(d) takes up and remains in employment;
(e) pays compensation or damages to victims;
M takes part in treatment, development and support programmed;
(g) participates in mediation between victim and offender or in family group
con ferencing; 40
(h) contributes financially towards the cost of the community corrections to
which he or she has been subjected;
(i) is restricted to one or more magisterial districts;
0) lives at a fixed address;
(k) refrains from using or abusing alcohol or drugs; 45
(1) refrains from committing a criminal offence;
(m) refrains from visiting a particular place;
(n) refrains from mting contact with a particular person or persons;
(o) refrains from threatening a particular person or Dersons bv word or action;
50 No. 19522 GOVEm~G~, 27 NO_~ 1998
Act No. 111, 1998 CO-~ONW SERVICES ACT, 1998

(p) is subject to monitoring; <’

(q) in the case of a child, is subject to the additiond conditions as contained in
section 69.
(2) These conditions may be stipulated concurrently but—
(a) parole grfited in terms of section 73 may not hclude the condition of,, 5
compensation referred to in subsection (1)(e) unless compensation was part of
the original sentence of the court;
(b) supervision by a correctional official imposed in terms of sections 62@ or71
of the Criminal Rocedure Act, may not include the conditions referred to in
subsection (1)(b) to (h); 10
(c) day parole granted in terms of section 54 may not include the conditions
referred to in subsection (1)(a) or the conditions of compensation referred to
in subsection (1)(e) unless payment of compensation was part of the original
sentence of the court; and
(d) temporary leave granted in terms of section 44 may not include the conditions 15
refe-med to in subsection (1)(b) to (g).

Serving of community corrections

53. Comunity corrections are seNed in terms of section 39 of this Act.

Day parole

54. (1) A person granted day parole remains a prisoner while in prison and is 20
otherwise a person subject to community corrections but—
(a) such person may wear his or her own clothing whilst he or she is on day
parole; and
(b) if he or she can afford it, must pay for board and lodging and medical services.
(2) The Commissioner, Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, court or other 25
body must decide on the duration of placement on day parole and must inform the Head
of Prison who must inform the prisoner concerned of that determination.
(3) A person on day parole who fails to report at prison is guilty of an offence and
liable on conviction of the penalty prescribed in section 117.

Commencement 30

55. (1) Community corrections may not commence without a warrantor appropriate
order being lodged at the community corrections office.
(2) At every community corrections office the following must be recorded in a
register:
(a) Information about the identity of the person subject to community corrections; 35
(b) the authority for the imposition of community corrections;
(c) the conditions of the community corrections order; and
(d) the date and hour of commencement and expiry of the sentence or period of
community corrections.
(3) (a) At the commencement of community corrections the person concerned must 40
be informed in writing of—
(i) the conditions which will be imposed on him or her in a form and language
which will enable him or her to undersmnd what he or she is expected to do or
to refrain from doing;
(ii) the channels of communication for complaints and requests. 45
(b) If the person is illiterate, a correctional official must explain this written
information through an interpreter if necessary.
(c) The person concerned must confirm that the information has been understood.
(4) At the commencement of the community corrections, the person concemed—
(a) must allow his or her identity and other particulars to’ be established in the 50
manner and to the same extent as required in section 28 in respect of a
prisoner; and
,.

f, .,:
52 No. “19522 GOVERNHG~, 27 NOV~BER 1998

Act NO. 111,1998 CORRE~ONM SERVICES ACT, 1998

(b) may be required to submit to a medicd examination to determine physical and

mental fitness with reference to the conditions imposed.

Mediml examination

56. (1) If at any time whilst a person is subject to community corrections a

correctional official has reason to believe that a medicd examination is required in order 5
to determine whether the conditions set for the person are appropriate in the light of his
or her health, the correctional orncial may request a medicd orncer to conduct such an
examination.
(2) A person subject to community corrections must submit to such an examination.

Supervision 10

57. (1) All persons subject to community corrections must be supervised in the
community by correctional orncials.
(2) Such supervision must not invade the privacy of the person concerned more than
is necessary to ensure compliace with the conditions of the community corrections
imposed. 15
(3) If during such supervision it is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of a
correctional orncial or of any other person, a correctional orncial may search a person
subject to community corrections and confiscate any weapon found.
(4) A person subject to community corrections must facilitate the supervision process
and in particular must not threaten, abuse, obstruct or deliberately avoid a correctional 20
OrnciN.
(5) A person subject to community corrections may not be under the influence of
alcohol or other drug to an extent that impairs the process of supervision.
(6) A person subject to couununity corrections may be required to attend and
participate in meetings with the correctional orncial or officials responsible for 25
supervising his or her behaviour or with a Supervision Committee.

Supervision Committee

58. (1) There must be a Supervision Committee at each community corrections ornce
composed, as prescribed by regulation, of correctional officials involved in the
supervision of persons subject to community corrections and, if practicable, of a person 30
or persons from the community who are experts in behavioral sciences.
(2) The Supervision Committee must determine the level of supervision for each
person subject to community corrections and must review its determination at regular
intervals.
(3) The Supervision Committee must review at regular intervals the extent to which 35
the objectives of community corrections are being achieved in respect of each person
subject to community comections,
(4) An additional review may be held at the request of the person subject to
community corrections or of the correctional orncial directly responsible for the
supervision of such person. 40
(5) A person subject to community corrections must be informed of a meeting where
his or her case will be discussed, the issues which will be raised and that he or she may
m~e written submissions to be considered by the Supervision Committee.
(6) After having reviewed the extent to which the objectives of community
corrections are being achieved in respect of a person subject to community corrections, 45
the Supervision Committee must—
(a) decide whether the means and level of supervision applied to such person
should be modified; and
(b) submit a report and advise the Commissioner on the desirability of—
54 No. 19522 GOW=.G=~,27 NOVWM 1998

Act NO. Hl, 1998 COW~ONM SERVIC~ ACT, 1998

(i) applying for a change in the conditions of the community corrections

imposed on such person; or
(ii) issuing a warrant for the arrest of such a person.

House detention

59. Where a condition of house detention is set in terms of section 52(l)(a), it must 5
stipulate the hours to which the person is restricted daily to his or her dwelling and the
overdI duration of the ltitation.

Community service

60. (1) Where a condition of community service is set as part of community

corrections, it must stipulate the number of hours which the person is required to serve, 10
which shall not be less than 16 hours per month, unless the court otherwise directed.
(2) (a) The court, Correctional Supervision and Parole Board or other body which has
the authority to impose community service may specify where such community service
is to be done.
(b) Such an order may not be changed without the matter being referred back to the 15
court, Board or other body which set the condition udess it provides that the order may
be changed by a Supervision Committee.
(c) If such court, Board or other body does not specify where such community service
should be performed, the Supervision Committee must specify the place.

Seeking employment 20

61. (1) A person subject to community corrections who is required in terms of section
52( 1)(c) to seek employment, must make a reasonable effort to find employment and
must furnish evidence to the Commissioner of the attempts that he or she has made in
this regard.
(2) The Commissioner must assist in the attempt to find employment. 25

Employment

62. A person subject to community corrections who is required in terms of section

52( l)(d) to take up and remain in employment—
(a) may not change his or her employment without the permission of the
Comrnissioneq 30
(b) must perfom the work to the best of his or her ability and comply with the
conditions of the contract of employment; and
(c) may not leave the place of employment during working hours, for purposes
unrelated to the employment without the permission of the Commissioner.

Compensation 35

63. A person subject to community corrections who is required in terns of section

52( l)(e) to pay compensation—
(a) must provide tie Commissioner with a statement of personal income and
expenditure; and
(b) must submit proof as specified by the Commissioner, of payment of 40
compensation as ordered by the court.

Programmed

64. (1) The court, Correctional Supervision and Parole Board or other body which has
the authority to impose treatment, development and support prograrnmes in terms of
section 52( 1)&) may specify what programmed the person subject to community 45
corrections must follow.
56 No. 19522 GOVE-~ G~, 27‘NOV~ER 1998

Act NO. ~, 1998. COW~ONM SERW~ Am, 1998

(2) Ordy the court, Bored or other body which sets the condition may change it, unless
the condition itself provides that it may be changed by a Supervision Committee.
(3) If such court, Board or other body does not specify what progmrnrnes the person
subject to community corrections should follow, the Supervision Committee must
specify such programmed. 5
(4) The person concerned must attend such programmed and stay in attendance for the
duration of each individud session of the entire programme, unless leave of absence
from a session is granted by the Commissioner.

Contribution to costs

65. (1) A person who is required in terms of section 52(1)(h) to make a contribution 10
to the cost of the community corrections and a person on day parole must provide the
Commissioner with a statement of income and expenditure.
(2) The Commissioner may, within the means of such person, determine the
contribution to costs which that person must make and may adjust it during the period
of supervision and day parole. 15

Fixed address

66. (1) When the court, Correctional Supervision and Parole Board or other body
which has the authority to impose community corrections, requires a person to live at a
fixed address in terms of section 52(l)(j) it must, after consultation with the
Commissioner, determine such address. 20
(2) Where an address was stipulated by such court, Board or other body but the
Commissioner has subsequently been satisfied that—
(a) support will not be available to such person living there and that such support
cannot be provided from other sources; or
(b) living at such address wfil be incompatible with compliance with the 25
prescribed conditions for community corrections,
the Commissioner may declare tie address unsuitable and refer the matter back to the
court, Board or other body to stipulate another address, after consultation with the
Commissioner, failing which section 70 shall operate.

Use or abuse of alcohol or drugs 30

67. Where there is a reasonable suspicion that a person has used or abused alcohol or
drugs in contravention of a condition set in terms of section 52(1)(k), a correctional
official may require such a person to allow a designated medical officer to take a blood
or urine sample in order to establish the presence and concentration of alcohol or drugs
in the blood or urine. 35

Monitoring

68. (1) Where a condition of monitoring is set in terms of section 52(1)(p) it must
specify tie form of monitoring.
(2) If such monitoring involves the use of an electronic or other device it must be
prescribed by regulation. 40
(3) The use of such device may infringe on the human dignity and privacy of the
person in so far as it is proportionate to the objective.

Additional conditions for children

69. (1) A child who is subject to community corrections in terms of section 52(1)(q),
may be required to attend educational programmed whether or not he or she is otherwise 45
subject to compulsory education.
(2) Where any child is subject to supervision in terms of this Chapter, the
Commissioner must, in addition to any programmed which the child in terms of section
52(1 )fl maybe required to take part in, ensure that if the child requires support he or she
has access to adequate social work services, religious care, recreational programmed and 50
psychological services.
58 No.- 19522 GOWRNH G~, 27 NOW~,1998 ‘1.i.
Act No. nl, 1998 COM~ONfi SERWCES Am, 1998

Non-compliance

70. (1) If the Commissioner is satisfied that a person subject to community corrections
has failed to comply with any aspect of the conditions imposed on him or her, or any
duty placed upon him or her in terms of any section of this Chapter, the Commissioner
may, depending on the nature and seriousness of the non-compbance— 5
(a) reprimand the person;
(b) instruct the person to appear before the couz Correctional Supervision and
Parole Board or other body which imposed the community corrections; or
(c) issue a warrant for the arrest of such person.
(2) (a) A warrant issued in terms of subsection (1 )(c) maybe executed by any peace 10
officer as defined in section 1 of the Crirninrd Procedure Act.
(b) A person detained in terms of paragraph (a) must be brought before a court within
48 hours after arrest, which court must mde an order as to the further detention and
referral of the person to the authority responsible to ded with the matter.
(3) If the Commissioner is satisfied that a person subject to community corrections 15
has failed to meet the conditions imposed on him or her but that such failure is due to a
change in circumstances beyond the control of the person concerned, the Commissioner
may instruct such person to appear before the court, Correctional Supervision and Parole
Board or other body which imposed the community corrections.
(4) If a person subject to community corrections fails to obey an instruction issued in 20
terms of subsection (1)(b) or (3) the Commissioner may issue a warrant in terms of
subsection (1)(c) and act in te~s of subsection (2).

Change of conditions

71. (1) If in the opinion of the Commissioner a change of circumstances calls for a
change in the conditions, the Commissioner may apply to the court, Correctional 25
Supervision and Parole Board or other body which ordered the imposition of community
corrections, to amend the conditions which m&e up the community corrections in a
particular case.
(2) men an application is made in terms of subsection (1) the Commissioner must
instruct the person undergoing community corrections to appear before such court, 30
Board or other body.
(3) If such person fails to appear, the Commissioner may issue a warrant in terms of
section 70( 1)(c) for his or her arrest.

Complain@ and requesti

72. (1) Every person subject to community corrections may direct complaints and 35
requests to the head of the community corrections office in the area in which the
community corrections is being served or to another correctional oficial designated by
such a head of an office.
(2) The correctional official referred to in subsection (1) must record all such
complaints and requests and the steps t&en in dealing with them. 40
(3) The correctional official referred to in subsection (1) must deal with such
complaints and requests promptly and inform the person subject to community
corrections of the outcome.
(4) If such person is dissatisfied with the response to his or her complaint or request
by the Head of Community Corrections, he or she may refer the matier to the Area 45
Manazer, whose res~onse must be communicated to the person concerned.
60 No. 19522 GOW~ G~, 2 7 NOVE~ER 198

Act No. 111,1998 COR=~ONW SERVICES Am, 1998

CWPTER VII

RELEASE FROM PRISON AND PLACEMENT UNDER CORWCTIONAL

SUPERVISION AND ON DAY PAROLE AND PAROLE

Length and form of sentences

73. (l) Subject to the provisions of this Act— 5

(a) a sentenced prisoner remains in prison for the full period of sentence; and
(b) a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment remains in prison for the rest of his
or her life.
(2) Any sick prisoner whose sentence has expired but whose release is certified by the
medical officer to’be likely to result in his or her death or impairment of his or her health 10
or to be a source of infection to others, may be temportily detained until his or her
release is authorised by the medical officer.
(3) A sentenced prisoner must be released from prison and from any form of
community corrections imposed in lieu of part of a sentence of imprisonment when the
term of imprisonment imposed has expired. 15
(4) In accordance with the provisions of this Chapter a prisoner maybe placed under
correctional supervision or on day parole or on parole before the expiration of his or her
term of imprisonment.
(5) (a) Subject to the conditions of community corrections set by such Board or
court— ~o
(i) a prisoner must be placed under correctional supervision or on day parole or
on parole on a date determined by the Correctional Supervision and Parole
Board; or
(ii) in the case of a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment on day parole or on
parole on a date to be determined by the court. 25
(b) Such placement is subject to the prisoner accepting the conditions for placement.
(6) (a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b), a prisoner serving a determinate
sentence may not be placed on parole until such prisoner has served either the stipulated
non-parole period, or the rest of the sentence, but parole must be considered whenever
a prisoner has served 25 years of a sentence or cumulative sentences. 30
(b) A person who has been sentenced t~
(i)” periodical imprisonment, must be detained periodically in a prison a s
prescribed by regulation;
(iij imprisonment for corrective training, may be detained in a prison for a period
of two years and may not be placed on parole until he or she has served at least 35
12 months;
(iii) imprisonment for the prevention of crime, may be detained in a prison for a
period of five years and may not be placed on parole until he or she has served
at least two years and six months;
(iv) life imprisonment, may not be placed on parole until he or she has served at 40
least 25 years of the sentence but a prisoner on reaching the age of 65 years
may be placed on parole if he or she has served at least 15 years of such
sentence;
(v) imprisonment contemplated in section 52(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment
Act, 1997 (Act No. 10~ of 1.997j, may not be placed on parole unless he or she 45
has served at least four fifths of the term of imprisonment imposed or 25 years,
whichever is the shorter, but the court, when imposing imprisonment, may
order that the prisoner be considered for placement on parole after he or she
has served two thirds of such term.
(c) A person who has been declared an habitual criminal maybe detained in a prison 50
for a period of 15 years and may not be placed on parole until after a period of at least
seven years.
(7) (a) A person sentenced to imprisonment under section 276(1)(i) of the Criminal
Procedure Act, must serve at least one sixth of his or her sentence before being
62 No. 19522 @W~~G~, 27 NO-ER 1998

considered for placement under correctional supervision, udess the court has directed
otherwise, but if more than one sentence has been imposed under section 276 (1)(i) of
the said Act, the person may.not be placed under correctional supervision for a period
exceeding five years. : ,,
(b) If a person has been sentenced to imprisonment under section 276(l)(i) of the 5
Criminal Procedure Act, and to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years as an
alternative to a fine the person must serve at least one sixth of the effective sentences
before being considered for placement under correctional supervision, unless the court
has directed otherwise.
(c) If a person has been sentenced to imprisonment for— 10
(i) a definite period under section 276(l)(b) of the Crirnind Procedure Act;
(ii) imprisonment under section 276(l)(i) of the said Act;
(iii) a period not exceeding five years as an alternative to a fine,
the person shall serve at least a quarter of the effective sentences imposed or the
non-parole period, if any, whichever is the longer before being considered for placement 15
under correctional supervision, unless the court has directed otherwise.
(d) A person sentenced to imprisonment for a definite period in terms of section
276( 1)(b) of the said Act may not be placed under correctional supervision unless such
sentence has been converted into correctional supervision in accordance with section
276A(3) of the said Act. 20

Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards

74. (1) The Minister may—

(a) name each Correctional Supervision and Parole Bowd;
(b) specify the seat for each Board;
(c) determine and amend the area of jurisdiction of each Board. 25
(2) The Minister must appoint one or more Correctional Supervision and Parole
Boards consisting of—
(a) a chairperson;
(b) a vice-chairperson;
(c) an official of the South African Police Service nominated by the National 30
Commissioner of the South African Police Service;
(d) an official of the Depmment of Justice and an alternate, both with a legal
background, nominated by the Director-General of the Department of Justice;
(e) two officials of the Department nominated by the Commissioner; and
~ two members of the community. 35
(3) The Commissioner must designate one of the correctional officials referred to in
subsection (2)(e) to act as a secretary for a Board.
(4) If the chairperson is absent from a meeting of the Board, the vice-chai~erson
must preside at that meeting.
(5) Five members constitute a quorum for a meeting of a Board and must include the 40
chairperson or vice-chairperson, and an official of the Department of Justice.
(6) Any decision of a Board must be t~en by resolution of the majority of the
members present at any meeting of that Board and, in the event of equality of votes, the
person presiding shall have the casting vote as well as a deliberative vote.
(7) (a) A member of a Board— 45
(i) holds office for such period and on such conditions as the Minister may
determine; and
(ii) may at any time resign by tendering written notification to the Minister.
(b) The Minister may remove a member from office on grounds of misbehavior,
incapacity or incompetence but such action by the Minister does not preclude 50
disciplin~ action against officials in the full-time service of the State as provided for in
their conditions of service.
(c) If any member resigns, is removed from ofice or dies, the Minister may fill the
vacancy by appointing a person in accordance with subsection (1) for the unexpired
portion of the term of office of the predecessor. 55
(8) A member of a Board who is not in the full-time service of the State, may receive
such remuneration and allowances as the Commissioner may, on the recommendation of
M No. 19522 GOWm~ G~, 27 NO~= 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 COW~ONM SERVIC~ Am, 1998

the Commission for~dministration, determine with the concurrence of the Minister of

Finance.

Powers, functions and duties of Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards

75. (1) A Correctionrd Supervision and Parole Board, having considered the report on
any prisoner serving a determinate sentence exceeding 12 months submitted to it by the 5
Case Management Committee in terms of section 42 and in the light of any other
information or argument, may—
(a) subject to the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c), place a prisoner under
correctional supervision or day parole or grant parole and, subject to the
provisions of section 52, set the conditions of community corrections imposed 10
on the prisoner;
(b) in respect of any prisoner having been declared a dangerous criminal in terms
of section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act, m&e recommendations to the
court on the granting of the placement under correctional supervision or day
parole or parole and on the period for and, subject to the provisions of section 15
52, the conditions of community corrections imposed on the prisoner; and
(c) in respect of any prisoner serving a sentence of life imprisonment, m~e
recommendations to the court on granting of day parole or parole, and, subject
to the provisions of section 52, the conditions of community corrections to be
imposed to the prisoner. 20
(2) (a) If the Commissioner on the advice of a Supervision Committee requests a
Board to cancel correctional supervision or day parole or parole except where the person
concerned was ongindly serving a sentence of fife imprisonment, or to amend the
conditions of community corrections imposed on a person, the Board must consider the
matter within 14 days but its recommendations may be implemented provisionally prior 25
to the decision of the Board.
(b) After consideration of such conditions the Board may cancel the correctional
supervision or day parole or parole, or amend the conditions but if the person concerned
refuses to accept the amended conditions, the correctional supervision or day parole or
parole must be cancelled. 30
(c) If in the case of a person sentenced to life imprisonment the Commissioner, on the
advice of a Supervision Committee, requests a Board to advise on the cancellation of
parole or day parole or to arnend”the conditions of community corrections imposed on
a person, the Board must witiln 14 days consider the matter and m&e recommendations
on cancellation or amendment to the court but its recommendations may be 35
implemented provisionally prior to the decision of the court.
(3) (a) Whenever a Board acts in terms of subsection (2)(a) or (c), it must notify the
person or prisoner who is subject to community corrections to submit written
representations or to appear before it in person or to be represented by any person,
except a fellow prisoner, a correctional orncial or an orncial of the South African Police 40
Service or the Department of Justice.
(b) A person or prisoner referred to in subsection (l)(c) must be informed by the
Board of its recommendations and must confirm that the recommendations have been
conveyed to him or her.
(c) In cases referred to in subsections (1)(c) and (2)(c) the Board must allow the 45
person or prisoner to submit written representations with regard to the recommendation
of the Board, and the Board must submit the representations, together with its report to
the court.
(4) Where a complainant or relative is entitled in terms of the Criminal Procedure
Act, to m~e representations or wishes to attend a meeting of a Board, the 50
Commissioner must inform the Board in question accordingly and that Board must
inform the compltinarrt or relative in writing when and to whom he or she may mde
representations and when and where a meeting will t~e place.
(5) If, after the Board has approved a prisoner being placed under correctional
supervision or be granted day parole or parole, and, prior to the implementation of the 55
decision of the Board, the Case Management Committee reports to the Board that the
66 No. 19522 GOWRN- G~, 27N0-= ‘1998

Act No. 111,1998 COW~ONM SERWH An, 1998

circumstances of the prisoner have changed to such an extent that it is not advisable to
implement the decision, the implementation shall be deferred until the Board authorises
it.
(6) When the Board cancels correctional supervision or day parole or parole, the
matter may be reconsidered by the Board within such period as it deems fit, but it must 5
do so within a period of two years.
(7) Despite subsections (1) to (6), the Commissioner may—
(a) place under correctional supervision or day parole or grant parole to a prisoner
serving a sentence of less than 12 months imprisonment and prescribe
conditions in terms of section 52; or 10
(b) cancel correctional supervision or day parole or parole and alter tie conditions
for community corrections applicable to such person.
(8) A decision of the Board is final except that the Minister or the Commissioner may
refer the matter to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board for
reconsideration, in which case the record of the proceedings before the Board must be 15
submitted to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board.

Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board

76. (1) The Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board is selected from the
National Council and consists of—
(a) a judge as chairperson; 20
(b) a director or a deputy director of Public Prosecutions;
(c) a member of the Department;
(d) a person with special knowledge of the correctional system; and
(e) two representatives of the public.
(2) The National Council must appoint the members for each meeting of the 25
Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board.
(3) The majority of the members of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review
Board constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Board.
(4) A decision of a majority of tie members of the Correctional Supervision and
Parole Review Board present is a decision of the Board and in the event of an equality 30
of votes on any matter, the member presiding at tie meeting has boti a deliberative and
a casting vote.

Powers of Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board in respect of cases

decided by Correctional Supervision and Parole Board

77. (1) On consideration of a record submitted in terms of section 75 and any 35

submission which the Minister, Commissioner or person concerned may wish to place
before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board, as well as such other
evidence or argument as is allowed, the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review
Board must—
(a) confirm the decision; or 40
(b) substitute its own decision and make any order which the Correctional
Supervision and Parole Board ought to have made.
(2) The Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board must give reasons for its
decision, which are to be made available to the Minister, Commissioner, the person and
the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board concerned in a specific matter and all 45
other Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards for their information and guidance.

Powers of court in respect of prisoners serving life sentences

78. (1) Having considered the record of proceedings of the Correctional Supervision
and Parole Board and its recommendations in the case of a prisoner sentenced to fife
imprisonment, the court may, subject to the provisions of section 73(6) (b)(iv), grant 50
parole or day parole or prescribe the conditions of community corrections in terms of
section 52.
(2) If the court refuses to grant parole or day parole in terms of subsection (1), it may
make recommendations in respect of treatment, development and support of the prisoner
which may contribute to improving the likelihood of future placement on parole or day 55
.,,
parole.
,,.,.
,’
68 No. 19522 GOVEWE~ ~ 27 NO-q~8 ~

Act No. lU, 1998 CORRE~ONti SERVICES Am, 1998

(3) Where a Correctional Supervision and Parole Board acting in terms of section 73
recommends, in the case of a person sentenced to life imprisonment, that parole or&y
parole be withdrawn or that the conditions of community corrections imposed on such
a person be amended, the court must consider and mke a decision upon the
recommendation. 5
(4) Where the court refuses or withdraws parole or day parole the matter must be
reconsidered by the coun within two years.
,.
Correctional supervision or parole on medical grounds

79. Any person serving any sentence in a prison and who, based on the written
evidence of the medical practitioner treating that person, is diagnosed as being in the 10
find phase of arty terminal disease or condition maybe considered for placement under
correctional supervision or on parole, by the Commissioner, Correctional Supervision
and Parole Board or the court, as the case may be, to die a consolatory and dignified
death.

Special remission of sentence for highly meritorious service 15

80. (1) A Correctional Supervision and Parole Board may, on the recommendation of
the Commissioner, grant to a prisoner, except to a prisoner serving a life sentence or a
sentence, in terms of section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act, who has acted highly
meritoriously, special remission of sentence not exceeding two years either uncon-
ditionally or subject to such conditions as the Board may determine. 20
(2) Special remission in terms of this section may not result in the prisoner serving
less than a stipulated non-parole period or half of his or her original sentence.

Special measures for reduction of prison population

81. (1) If the Minister is satisfied that the prison population is reaching such
proportions that the safety, human dignity and physical care of the prisoners are being 25
affected materially, the matter must be referred to the National Council,
(2) The National Council may recommend the advancement of the approved date for
placement of any prisoner or group of prisoners under community corrections and the
Minister may act accordingly.
(3) Community corrections granted in terms of subsection (2) is subject to such 30
conditions as may be imposed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board under
whose jurisdiction the prisoners may fall or the Commissioner in terms of section 75(7).

Powers of President

82. (l) Despite any provision to the contrary, the President may—
(a) at any time authorise the placement on correctionrd supervision or parole of 35
any sentenced prisoner, subject to such conditions as may be recommended by
the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board under whose jurisdiction such
prisoner may fall or, in the case of a prisoner serving a life sentence, by the
COUti; and
(b) remit any part of a prisoner’s sentence. 40
(2) Nothing in this Act affects the power of the President to pardon or reprieve
offenders.

CHAPTER VIII

NATIONAL COUNCL FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

Structure of National Council 45

83. (1) The Minister must appoint a National Council.

(2) The National Council consists of—
(a) two judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa or of the High
Court of South Africa appointed after consultation with tie Chief Ju~c&
) ,-, :,,.,
70 No. 19522 GOWm~ G~, 27 NO_~ ‘1998
Act No. 111,1998 CORW~ONM SERWC~ ACT, 1998

(b) a magistrate of a regional division appointed after consultation with the

chairperson of the Magistrates Commission;
(c) a director or Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions appointed after
consultation with the National Director of Public Prosecutions;
(d) two members of the Department, of or above the rti of director, appointed 5
after consultation with the Comrnissione~
(e) a member of the South Mrican Police Service, of or above the rti of director,
appointed after consultation with the National Commissioner of the South
African PoIice Service;
(f) a member of the Department of Welfare, of or above tie rti of director, 10
appointed after consultation with the Director-Generrd of WeEare;
(g) two persons with special howledge of the correctionrd system who are not in
full-time service of the State; and
(h) four or more persons not in the full-time service of the State or members of
Parhament appointed as representatives of the public after consultation with 15
the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.
(3) (a) Members of the National Council hold office for such period as the Minister
determines at the time of their appointment.
(b) If there are valid grounds for doing so, the Minister may terminate the
appointment of a member. 20
(4) The Minister must appoint one of the judges referred to in subsection (2) (a) as
chairperson and the other as vice-chairperson of the National Council.
(5) The majority of members of the National Council constitute a quorum for a
meeting of the Council.
(6) A decision of majority of the members of tie National Council present shfll be a 25
decision of the Council and in the event of an equality of votes, the member presiding
at the meeting shall have both a deliberative and the casting vote.
(7) A member of the National Council who is not in the service of the State may
receive such allowances as may be determined by the Commissioner in consultation
with the Minister of State Expenditure. 30

Functions and duties of National Council

W.(1) The primary function of the National Council is to advise, at the request of the
Minister or on its own accord, in developing policy in regard to the correctional system
and the sentencing process.
(2) The Minister must refer draft legislation and major proposed policy develop- 35
ments regarding the correctional system to the National Council for its comments and
advice.
(3) The Commissioner must provide the necessary information and resources to
enable the National Council to perform its primary function.
(4) The National Council may examine any aspect of the correctional system and 40
refer any appropriate matter to the Inspecting Judge.
(5) The NationN Council must fulfil any other function ascribed to it in this Act.

C~PTER ~

THE JUDICML INSPECTORATE

Establishment of Judicial Inspectorate 45

85. (1) The Judicial Inspectorate of prisons is an independent office under the control
of the Inspecting Judge.
(2) The object of the Judicial Inspectorate is to facilitate the inspection of prisons in
order that the Inspecting Judge may report on the treatment of prisoners in prisons and
on conditions and any corrupt or dishonest practices in prisons. 50
y? No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

Inspecting Judge

86. (1) The President must appoint the Inspecting Judge who must be—
(aj a judge of the High Court who is in active service as defined in section 1 ( 1 ) Of
the Judges. Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, 1989 (Act No.
88 of 1989j: or 5
(b) a jud&e who has been discharged from active service in terms of section 3 of’
the said Act,
(~) An Inspecting Judge in active service must be seconded from the supreme Court
of Appeal or the High Court and holds office as such during the period of active service
or until the Inspecting Judge requests to be released to resume judicial duties. 1()
(3) The Inspecting Judge continues to receive the salary. allowances. benefits and
privileges attached to the otice of a judge.

Appointment of Assistants

87. ( 1 ) From time to time the Inspecting Judge may. after consultation with the
Commissioner, appoint one or more person or persons with a legal. medical or
penological background as an Assistant or Assistants to assist in the performance of his
or her duties.
(2) Assistants are appointed for a fixed period or until the completion of a specific
task.
(3) Assistants have the same powers. functions and duties as the inspecting Judge.
but are under the authority and control of the Illspectin: Judge.
(4) The salary and conditions of service of Assistants must be determined b) the
Inspecting Judge after consultation with the Commissioner and in consultation with the
Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration.

Conditions of service of retired judges

88. ( 1 ) Should the Inspecting Judge or an Assistant be a judge retired from active
service in terms of section 3( 1 )(c~) of the Judges’ Remuneration and Conditions of
Employment Act, 1989 (Act No. 88 of 1989). any period of service as Inspecting Judge
or an Assistant shall be reckoned as service performed in terms of section 7( 1 ) of the said
Act and the provisions of subsections (3) and (6) thereof shall appl~ to such
appointment.
(2) Should the appointee be a judge retired from active service in terms of section
S( l)(~), (c) or (d) of the said Act. the remuneration payable to such appointee shall be
determined by the Minister of Justice or agreed with the prospective appointee.

Inspectors and staff

89. ( 1 ) The staff complement of the Judicial Inspectorate must be determined by the
Inspecting Judge in consultation with the Commissioner.
(2) The Inspecting Judge must appoint within this complement inspectors and such
other staff, including a secretar). as are required.
(3) Such employees. if not correctional oficials. are deemed for administrative
purposes to be correctional officials seconded to the Judicial lnspectorate. but are under
the control and authority of the Inspecting Judge.
(4) The salary and conditions of service of any such employee must be determined by
the Inspecting Judge in accordance with the Public Service Act. and after consultation
with the Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration.

Powers, functions and duties of Inspecting Judge

90. (1) The Inspecting Judge inspects or arran&es for the inspection of prisons in
order to report on the treatment of prisoners in prisons and on conditions and any corrupt
or dishonest practices in prisons.
(~) The Inspecting Judge may only receive and dea] with the complaints submitted 50
by the National Council. the Minister. the Commissioner. a Visitors’ Committee and. in
74 No, 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111.1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

cases of urgency. an Independent Prison Visitor and ma!’ of his or her own volition deal
with any complaint.
(3) The Inspecting Judge must submit a report on each inspection to the Minister.
(4) (a) The Inspecting Judge must submit an annual report to the President and the
Minister, 5
(b) The report must be tabled in Parliament by the Minister.
(5) For the purpose of conducting an investigation. the Inspecting Judge may make
an! enquiry and hold hearings.
(6) At a hearing. sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Commissions Act, 1947 (Act No. 8 of
1947). apply as if the Inspecting Judge and the secretary of the Judicial Inspectorate 10
were the chairperson and secretary of a Commission. respectively.
(7) The Inspecting Judge may delegate any of his or her functions to inspectors,
except where a hearin& is to be conducted by the inspecting Jud&e.
(8) After consultation with the Director-General of the Department of Public Service
and Administration. the Inspecting Judge may appoint persons with appropriate 15
qualifications from outside the Public Service. to assist in any specialised aspect of
inspection or investigation. at a rate of remuneration determined in accordance with the
Public Service Act,
(9) The Inspecting Judge may m&e such rules, not inconsistent with this Act. as are
considered necessary or expedient for the efficient functioning of the Judicial 20
lnspectorate.
( 10) The lnspectin& Judge must perform any other function ascribed to him or her in
this Act.

Expenses of Judicial Inspectorate

91. The Department is responsible for all expenses of the Judicial Inspec[orate. ~~

CHAPTER X

INDEPENDENT PRISON \71SITORS

Appointment of Independent Prison Visitors

92. ( 1 ) The Inspecting Judge must as soon as practicable. after publicly calling for
nominations and consulting with community organisations. appoint an Independent 30
Prison Visitor for any prison or prisons.
(2) An independent Prison Visitor holds office for such period as the Inspecting
Judge may determine at the time of such appointment.
(3) The Inspecting Judge may at any time. if valid grounds exist. suspend or
terminate the service of an Independent Prison Visitor. 35

Powers. functions and duties of Independent Prison Visitors

93. ( 1 ) An Independent Prison Visitor shall deal with the complaints of prisoners
b!,_
(c{) regular visits:
([l) interviewing prisoners in private; 40
(c) recording complaints in an official diary and monitoring the manner in which
they have been dealt with; and
(d) discussing complaints with the Head of Prison. or the relevant subordinate
correctional official, with a view to resolving the issues internally.
(2) An Independent Prison Visitor. in the exercise and performance of such powers. 4j
functions and duties. must be given access to any part of the prison and to any document
or record.
76 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GAZE~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICESACT. 1998

(3) The Head of Prison must assist an Independent Prison Visitor in the performance
of the assigned powers. functions and duties.
(4) Should the Head of Prison refuse any request from an Independent Prison Visitor
relating to the functions and duties of such a Visitor. the dispute must be referred to the
Inspecting Judge, whose decision will be final. 5
(5) An Independent Prison Visitor must report any unresolved complaint to the
Visitors’ Committee and may, in cases of urgency or in the absence of such a committee,
refer such complaint to the Inspecting Judge.
(6) The Inspecting Judge may make rules concerning. or on the appointment of an
Independent Prison Visitor, specify. the number of visits to be made to the prison over 10
a stated period of time and the minimum duration of a visit. or any other aspect of the
work of an Independent Prison Visitor.
(7) Each Independent Prison Visitor must submit a quarterly report to the Inspecting
Judge. which shall include the duration of visits. the number and nature of complaints
dealt with, and the number and nature of the complaints referred to the relevant Visitors. 15
Committee.
(8) The Minister may. on the recommendation of the Department of Public Service
and Administration and with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance. determine
remuneration and allowances to be paid to the Independent Prison Visitors who are not
in the full-time service of the State. 20

Visitors’ Committee

94. ( 1 ) Where appropriate, the Inspecting Judge may establish a Visitors Committee
for a particular area consisting of the Independent Prison Visitors appointed to prisons
in that area.
(2) The Committee must meet at least quarterly. 25
(3) The functions of the Committee are—
(aj to consider unresolved complaints with a vieu to their resolution;
(b) to submit to the Inspecting Judge those complaints which the Committee
cannot resolve:
(c) to organise a schedule of visits: 30
(d) to extend and promote the community.s interest and nvolvernent in
correctional matters: and
(e) to submit minutes of meetings to the Inspecting Judge.

CHAPTER XI

INTERNAL SERVICE EVALUATION 35

Objectives and functions of internal service evaluation

95. ( 1 ) The Commissioner must conduct an internal service evaluation to promote the
economical and efficient operation of the Department and to ensure that the objectives
and principles of this Act are met.
(~) Such a semice evaluation must assess. at regul~ intervals. the effectiveness of 40
internal control at national and provincial level. individual prisons including joint
venture prisons and community corrections. by—
(a) determining whether the departmental operations are conducted effectively:
(b) reviewing the reliability of financial. operational and management informa-
tion: 45
(c) ascertainin& whether departmental assets and interests are controlled and
safeguarded from losses;
(d) assessing the effective utilisation of human and other resources;
(e) monitoring whether established objectives for programmed are being
achieved; and 50
(f) suggesting measures to combat theft, fraud, corruption and any other
dishonest practices
?8 NO. 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~E, 27 NOVEMBER 199S

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICESACT. 1998

(3) The Commissioner must establish appropriate mechanisms for internal service
evaluation.
(4) The Commissioner must include in the annual report to Parliament. an account of
the process and results of the internal service evaluation.
(j) The Commissioner must. on request, send a copy of all internal service evaluation
reports to the Inspecting Judge.

CHAPTER XII

OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARThlENT

Powers, functions and duties of correctional officials

96. ( 1 ) The Department and ever! correctional official in its service must strive to 10
fulfil the purpose of this Act and to that end ever} correctional oficial must perform his
or her duties under this Act.
(2) Subject to the prol’isions of subsection ( 1 ). the relationship between the
Department as employer and every correctional oficial in the service of the Department
is regulated by the provisions of the Labour Relations Act. 15
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the provisions of the Labour Relations
,4ct and having regard to the operational requirements of the Department. the
Commissioner shall detemline the qualifications for appointment and promotion and
decide on the appointment. promotion and transfer of correctional oficials. but—
(</) the appointment or promotion of o correctional off}cial to or above the post 20
level of director takes place in consultation with the Minister:
( l~i all persons who qualify for- appointment. promotion or transfer must be
considered:
(c} the assessment of persons shall be based on level of training. relevant skills.
competence. and the need to redress the imbalances of the past in order to 25
~chieve a Department broadl> representative of the South African population.
including representation according to race. gender and disability:
((/) despite the pro\fisions of paragraph (c). the Commissioner may. subject to the
prescribed conditions. approve the appointment. transfer or promotion of
persons to promote the basic values and principles refereed to in section 30
195( 1 ) of the Constitution: and
((’ / for the purposes of promotion or transfer. the Commissioner may exempt a
correctional official who is exceptionally skilled. has special training. renders
exceptional service. or has successfully completed a prescribed departmental
training course. from the requirements of the Code of Remuneration. 35
(4) (CJ/ The Commissioner may appoint unpaid \oluntan workers who are not
employees of the Department.
(/7) Such workers have the same duties and are subject to the same restrictions as

correctional officials but may only exercise the powers of correctional officials to the
extent determined b! the Commissioner. 40
(5) The retirement age of correctional offtciaIs contained in the Correctional Ser\’ices
Act. 1959 (Act No. 8 of 1959). remains in force unless amended in the Bargaining
Council for the Department of Correctional Services in terms of the Labour Relations
Act.

Delegation of powers

97. ( 1 ) The Minister may delegate any of the powers vested in him or her by this Act
to the Commissioner. except the powers contemplated in section 133 of this Act
(~) The Commissioner may delegate any of the powers vested in him or her by this
Act or any other Act to an] correctional official of the Department or other person
employed by the Department and may delegate any of the delegated powers in terms of 50
subsection ( 1 ) to a correctional official of a post level of deputy director or higher.
80 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GAZE~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRE~ONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(3) Any delegation in terms of this section tkes effect on date of publication in the
Gazetre.

Professionals

98. Any professional correctional official appointed by the Commissioner to work

directly with prisoners and persons subject to community corrections retains profes- 5
sional independence.

CHAPTER XIII

GENERAL POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT

Access to prisons

99. ( 1 ) A judge of the Constitutional Court. Supreme Court of Appeal or High Court, 10
and a ma&istrate within his or her area of jurisdiction. may visit a prison at any time.
(2) A judge and a magistrate referred to in subsection (1) must be allowed access to
any part of a prison and any documentary record. and may interview any prisoner and
bring any matter to the attention of the Commissioner. the Minister. the National
Council or the Inspecting Judge. 15
(3) (a) Members of the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services
and the relevant committee of the National Council of Provinces and members of the
National Council may visit any prison at any time.
(6) Members referred to in paragraph (a) must be allowed access to any part of a
prison and any documentary record. 20
(4) A Sheriff or Deput! Sheriff must be allowed access to any prisoner when this is
necessary in the performance of official duties.
(5) The Commissioner may permit any person other than those mentioned in
subsections ( 1 ) to (4) to visit a prisoner. a prison or any specific section of a prison for
any special or general purpose. ?5

Arrest

100. ( 1 ) In addition to the powers of arrest which a correctional official has as a

peace officer in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act. any correctional official may arrest
without a warrant any person whom he or she reasonably suspects of having committed
an offence defined in this Act. 30
(2) The Criminal Procedure Act. shall apply to any exercise of powers in terms of
subsection ( 1 ) as if the correctional official who was performing an arrest was acting as
a peace officer in terms of section 40 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Entry, smrch and seizure

101. ( 1 ) In addition to the powers of a correctional oficial to search prisoners. their 35

cells and their property and to seize articles in terms of section 27, a correctional official
also has the power to enter any premises, to search without warrant any other person or
place and seize any article when this is reasonably necessary for—
(a) maintaining the safe custody of a prisoner, the security of a prison and
controllin& access of persons to and permissibility of goods in a prison; 40
(b) carry in& out any sentence or order in terms of which a person is subject to
community corrections: or
(c) preventing, or gathering evidence of. the commission of any offence under
this Act.
(2) Despite the provisions of subsection (1 )— 45
(a) a correctional official may not search another correctional official or seize his
or her property without his or her consent or being authorised to do so by the
Commissioner but a general authorisation to search other correctional officials
may be granted to a correctional official who is required to act in order to
control access to or maintain secure custody within a prison; and 50
82 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GWE~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111.1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(b) action cannot be taken in terms of subsection ( 1 )(c) outside a prison unless a
search warrant has been issued by a magistrate but a correctional official may
act in terms of subsection ( 1 )(c) without a warrant when he or she on
reasonable grounds believes that—
(i) a warrant will be issued authorizing action in terrrs of subsection (1)(c): 5
and
(ii) the delay in obtaining such a warrant would defeat the object of the
search.
(3) (a) The provisions of section 21 of the Criminal Procedure Act. relating to the
issue of a warrant to a police official apply, with the necessary changes. to a correctional 10
official acting in terms of this section.
(b) The provisions of section 27 of the Criminal Procedure Act, relating to resistance
to entry or search by a police official apply. with the necessary changes. to a correctional
official acting in terms of this section.
(c) The provisions of section 29 of t he Crlmlnal p r o c e d u r e Act. relating [O the 15
manner in which a search must be conducted by a police official apply. with the
necessary changes, to a correctional official acting in terms of this section.

Use of force

102. (1) In addition to the use of force authorised in terms of any other provision of
this or any other Act, which include mechanical restraints. non-lethal incapacitating 20
devices. fire-arms and other weapons. any correctional oticial is authorised to use force
against any person who assists an escapee or who disrupts or threatens to disrupt the
opemtion of a prison or the enforcement of the conditions of communit! corrections.
(~) The use of force is authorised to achieve the objectives in subsection ( 1 ) subject
[o the following restrictions: 25
(a) That no other means are available and that the minimum degree of force
proportionate to the said objectives is used: and
(b) force may be used only when authorised by the Head of Prison or the Head of
Community Corrections unless a correctional official reasonabl~ believes that
the use of force is immediately necessary and that the Head of Prison or the 30
Head of Community Corrections would have permitted the use of force.
(3) In the case of the use of force withou[ prior recourse the correctional official must
report such action as soon as reasonably possible to the Head of Prison or the Head of
Community Corrections.

CHAPTER XI\’ 3j

JOINT VENTURE PRISONS

Contracts for joint venture prisons

103. ( 1 ) The Minister may. subject to an> law golremin~ the award of contracts hy the
State. \vith the concurrence of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Works.
enter into a contract with any party to design. construct. finance and operate any prison 40
or part of a prison established or to be established in terms of section 5.
(~) The contract period in respect of the operation of a prison may not be for more
than 25 years.

Duties and restrictions applying to Contractors

104. ( 1 ) Subject to limitations in this Act. the Contractor must contribute to 45

maintaining and protecting a just. peaceful and safe society by—
(a) enforcing the sentences of the courts in the manner prescribed by this Act:
(b) detaining all prisoners in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity;
and
84 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GAZE~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(c) by promoting the social responsibility and the human development of all
prisoners.
(2) Within 21 days after having been notified of the awardin& of such contract. the
Contractor must apply to the Essential Services Committee established under section 70
of the Labour Relations Act, to have the whole of the service to be provided under the 5
contract declared as an essential service.
(3) The Contractor may make prison rules only with the prior permission of the
Commissioner.
(4) The Contractor may not—
(a) take disciplinary action against prisoners or impose penalties on them; 10
(b) be involved in the determination or the computation of sentences;
(c) determine at which prison a prisoner should be detained:
(d) decide upon the placement or release of a prisoner:
(e) be involved in the implementation of community corrections:
(f) grant tempor~ leave: and 15
(g) subcontract. cede. assign or delegate any of the functions under the contract
unless authorised to do so under the contract.

Appointment of Controller

105. The Commissioner must appoint a Controller for everj joint venture prison

Powers, functions and duties of Controller ZQ

106. ( 1 ) The Controller must monitor the daily operation of the joint venture prison
and report to the Commissioner.
(2) The Controller may order the Director and custody officials in the employ of the
contractor t~
(u) conduct any search contemplated in section 27(1 )(b), (c) or (f): ?5
(b) detain separately a prisoner or prisoners of a specific class in the circum-
stances contemplated in section 30:
(cJ apply approved mechanical means of restraint contemplated in section 31 to a
prisoner detained in a single cell for a period not exceeding 30 days;
(d) use force contemplated in section 32: 30
(e) use non-lethal incapacitating devices contemplated in section 33:
(~) use firearms contemplated in section 34: and
(g) use other weapons contemplated in section 35.

Appointment of Director

107. ( 1 ) With the prior approval of the Commissioner. the Contractor must appoint a 35
Director to serve as the head of the joint venture prison.
(2) The Director is a custodial official and subject to certification contemplated in
section 109.

Powers, functions and duties of Director

108. The Director of every joint venture prison— 40

(a) is responsible ior Its operation and has the same powers, duties and functions
as the Head of Prison, subject to the restrictions contained in this Act and the
contract;
(b) for the purposes of part C of Chapter 111 of this Act and Section 340 of the
Criminal Procedure Act, has the functions of the Head of Prison: 45
(c) in case of urgency the Director may authorise the temporary application of the
measures contemplated in section 106(2) if he or she reasonably believes that
delay in obtaining such authorisation would defeat the object of that section;
and
(d) must report as soon as possible to the Controller on any such action. 50
86 No. 19522 Government GHE~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CORWCTIONAL SERVICES ACT, 1998

Appointment of custody officials

109. (1) The Contractor must appoint custody officials to perform custodial duties.
(~) No ~mployee of tie Contractor may perform custodial duties unless he or she has
been certified as a custody official by the Commissioner.
(3J A custody official maybe certified by the Commissioner. only if the standards of 5
qualifications, prescribed by regulation are satisfied.
(4) The Commissioner must keep a register. with-
(a) the full names and identity number of each certified custody official:
(b) particulars of each custody official whose certification has either been
suspended or revoked; and 10
(c) such other particulars as required by the Commissioner.
[5) (a) The certification of any custody official may be suspended by the Controller—
(i) pending trial for any offence:
(ii ) pending any disciplinary hearing into a charge of misconduct arising from. or
in connection with, the performance of his or her duties; or 15
(iii ) pending any investigation into his or her fitness or competency to perform
custodial duties.
(b) The Controller must notify the Commissioner of the decision to suspend the
certification of a custody official.
(6) The Commissioner may. after a custody official has been suspended and been 20
given the oppollunity to make representations. revoke the suspension or the certifica-
tion.

Powers and duties of custody officials

110. A custody oficial has the powers and duties of a correctional official laid down
by this Act, except in regard to matters referred to in section 104(4) or restricted 25
elsewhere in the Act. the regulations or in the contract.

Preservation of confidentiality

111, ( 1 ) Every employee of the Contractor and in the case of subcontractor. any
employee of a subcontractor, must preserve confidentiality in respect of any information
acquired in the course of employment unless the employee concerned is— 30
(a) reasonably obliged to disclose any such information in the course of duty:
(b) authorised by the Commissioner to make such disclosure: or
(c) obliged by law or a court of lam’ to do SO .
(2) A Contractor or subcontractor must at the time of employment of an employee
draw attention to this requirement. 35
(3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection(1) or (2) is guilty of an
offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding
six months or both.

Commissioner’s powers in an emergency at joint venture prisons

112. (a) If. in the opinion of the Commissioner in consultation with the Minister— 40
(i) the Director has lost, or is likely to lose, effective contro] of a joint venture
prison or any part of it: and
(ii) it is necessary, in the interest of safety and security to take control of such
prison or part of it,
he or she may appoint a Temporary Manager to act as the head of that prison and may 45
replace custody officials with correctional oticials to the extent necessary.
88 No. 19522 GOVERNME~ G=~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CORREC~ONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(b) The appointment referred to in paragraph (a) starts at the time specified in the
Temporary Managers written notice of appointment and ends on written notice to that
effect.
(c) During the period of appointment referred to in paragraph (b)—
(i) the Temporary Manager performs the functions of the Director; and 5
(ii) the Contractor and any subcontractor. must do all that is possible to facilitate
the performance by the Temporary Manager of those functions.
(d) As soon as practicable after mting or terminating the appointment of a
Temporary Manager, the Commissioner must give notice of such action to the
Contractor. the Director and the Controller. 10
CHAPTER XV

OFFENCES

Interference with correctional or custody officials

113. Any person whh

(a) resists, hinders or obstmcts a correctional or custody official in the 15
performance of his or her duties:
(b) in order to compel a correctional or custody official to do or not to do any act
in the performance of his or her duties, or threatens or suggests the use of
violence against. or restraint upon such person or any of his or her relatives or
defendants. or threatens to damage the property of any such person or of the 20
Department or the Contractor:
(c) assists. conspires with. induces any correctional or custody official not to
perform his or her duties or to do any act contrary to it:
(d} participates. assists in or incites the commission of any act whereby any
lawful order given to a correctional or custody official may be evaded: or 25
(P) incites or induces a prisoner to contravene a lawful rule, order. a regulation or
a provision of this Act.
is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment, to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six years or to such imprisonment without the
option of a fine or both. 30
Interference with community corrections conditions

114. Any person who assists, conspires with or incites a person subject to community
corrections to contravene a condition is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to
a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to such imprisonment
without the option of a fine or both. 35

Aiding escapes

115. Any person wh-

(([) conspires with or incites any prisoner to escape;
(b) assists a prisoner in escaping or attempting to escape from any prison or from
any place where he or she may be in custody; 40
(c) for the purpose of facilitating the escape of any prisoner. supplies or agrees to
supply or assists. incites or induces any other person to supply a prisoner with
any document, disguise or any other article;
(d) without lawful authority relays any document, or article or causes it to be
relayed into or out of a prison or a place where prisoners may be in custody: 45
or
(e) harbours or conceals or assists in harboring or concealing an escaped
prisoner,
90 NO, 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~E, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT, 1998

is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period

not exceeding ten years or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Unauthorised removal of prisoner from prison

116. Any person who without lawful authority removes a prisoner or allows him or
her to leave the prison, or place where such prisoner is in custody, is guilty of an offence 5
and liable on conviction to a fine, or in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding eight years or to imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Escaping and absconding

117. Any prisoner who—

(cj ) escapes from custody: 10
(i~ ) conspires with any person to procure his or her own escape or that of another
prisoner or who assists or incites any prisoner to escape from custod!:
([j is in possession of any document or article with intent to procure his or her
own escape or that of another prisoner;
[ dj in any manner collaborates with a correctional or custody official or any other 15
person. whether under the super~ision of such correctional or custody official
or person or not, to leave the prison without lawful authority or under false
pretences: or
~<, ) is subject to community corrections and where he or she absconds and thereby
avoids being monitored. ~o
is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding ten years or to imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Giving or receiving money or other consideration

118. ( 1 ~ No correctional or custody official and no other person acting for or employed
b> him or her may directly or indirectly— 25
((i / sell. supply or derive any benefit or advantage from the sale or supply of any
article to or for the use of any prisoner or prison: or
(/? ~ have an interest in any contractor agreement for the sale or supply of any such
article.
(2) No correctional official may directly or indirectly— 30
f (~ } have any pecuniary interest in the purchase of an!’ supplies for the use of the
Department or receive any discounts. gifts or other consideration from
contractors for or sellers of such supplies:
f l?) except for the purposes of the execution of official duties. have any pecuniary
dealing with a prisoner or with any other person relating to a prisoner; or 35
f c ) on behalf of any prisoner. have any unauthorised communication with any
person.
(3 J Except for the payment of fines or for goods purchased in accordance with
regulations made in terms of this Act. no money or other consideration shall. on any
pretext whatsoever, be payable, paid, given or promised by or on behalf of any prisoner. 40
either before, during or after sewing a prison sentence or being placed under communitY
corrections to any correctional or custody official or other person in the service of the
Department or in the employ of a Contractor.
(4) Except as envisaged in subsection (3). no correctional or custody official or other
person in the service of the Department or in the employ of a Contractor may enter into 45
any business transaction with a prisoner or pay, receive or demand any money or other
consideration or undert~e any service instead of receiving money or other consider-
ation.
92 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GUE~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICESACT. 1998

(5) Any person who contravenes any provision of this section is guilty of an offence
and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding two years, or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine. or both.

Supplying certain articles to prisoners

119. ( 1 ) No person may without lawful authority— 5

{a) supply, convey or cause to be supplied or conveyed to any prisoner. or hide or
place for his or her use any document, intoxicating liquor, dagga, drug. opiate,
money, or any other article;
(b) bring or introduce into any prison. or place where prisoners maybe in custody,
any document, intoxicating liquor. da&ga. drug. opiate. money, or any other 10
article to be sold or used in the prison: or
(c) bring out of any prison. or convey from any prisoner any document or other
article.
(2) No correctional or custody official or other person in the service of the
Department or in the employ of a Contractor may without lawful authority allow or 15
participate in the commission of any act prohibited in subsection ( 1).
(3) Any person who contravenes any provision of this section commits an offence
and is liable on conviction to a fine or. in default of payment. to imprisonment for a
period not exceeding four years. or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or
both, Lo

Prisoners receiving or sending articles

120. Any prisoner who directly or indirectly and without lawful authority—
(a) gives or sends. or promises to give or send. any money or any other article to
any correctional or custody official or any other person in the service of the
Department or in the employ of a Contractor as a reward for any service 15
rendered or to be rendered or on his or her behalf within or outside any prison:
(b) enters into any business transaction with any correctional or custody official or
any other person in the service of the Department or in the employ of a
Contractor:
(c) receives, for own use or on behalf of any other prisoner or person any 30
document. intoxicating liquor. dagga. drug. opiate. money or any other article:
(d) arran&es with any correctional or custody official or any other person for any
document, intoxicating liquor. dagga. drug, opiate. money or any other article
to be sent or conveyed into any prison for a prisoners own use or on his or her
behalf or 35
(e) hands to any comectional or custody official or any other person any document
or other article for the purpose of being hidden or placed by such person for
eventual use by or delivery to a prisoner or other person,
1$ guilt} of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine, or in default of payment. to
impris~nment for a period not exceeding four years or to such imprisonment without the 40
option of a fine or both.

Selling or supplying articles to prisoners

121. (1) No correctional official or custody official and no person acting for or
employed by him or her shall directly or indirectly—
(u) sell or supply or receive, any benefit or advantage from the sale or supply of 45
any article to or for the use of any prisoner or for the use of the Department;
(b) have any interest in any contract or agreement for the sale or supply of any
such article:
94 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GAZE~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT, 1998

(c) have any pecuniary interest in the purchase of any supplies for the use of the
Department or receive any discounts, gifts or other consideration from
contractors for or sellers of such supplies;
(d) except for the purposes of the execution of his or her official duties, have any
pecuniary dealing with a prisoner or. with regard to a prisoner. with any other 5
person: or
(e) on behalf of any prisoner, have any unauthorised communication with an}’
person.
(~) Any person who contravenes any provision of this section shall be guilty o f a n
offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for 10
a period not exceeding one year, or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine.
or both such fine and such imprisonment

Unauthorised entry at prisons and communication or interference with prisoners

122. Any person who withou[ lawful authority—

( c1) enters any prison or fails to depart upon being ordered so to do by an} 15
correctional or custody official or member of the South African Police
Service:
(}~} communicates with any prisoner:
(c) in any manner interferes with any prisoner or group of prisoners: or
(d) has in his or her possession or publishes a sketch. diagram or photograph of a 20
prison or part of a prison or any security system relating to the detention of
prisoners in order to undermine the security or secure detention of the
prisoners.
is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or. in default of pavment. to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years or to such imprisonment without the 25
option of a fine or both.

Prohibited publication

123. ( 1 ) No person may publish any account of prison life or conditions that may
identif) a specific prisoner unless the prisoner concerned grants permission for such
publication. 30
(2) (CI) No person may without the permission of the Commissioner publish an!
account of an offence for which a prisoner or person subject to community corrections
is serving a sentence.
(1?) If. however. the information that is published forms part of the official court record
the permission of the prisoner or the Commissioner is not required. 35
(3) The Commissioner may refuse such permission only if in his or her opinion the
publication may undermine the objective of the implementation of the sentence of
imprisonment as specified in section 36 or the objectives of community corrections
specified in section 50.
(4) Any person who is not satisfied with the decision of the Commissioner to grant or 40
refuse permission in terms of subsections (2) and ( 3). may within 10 days after being
informed of the decision refer the matter to the Inspecting Judge. The Inspecting Judge
must confirm or set aside the decision.
(5) No prisoner or person subject to community corrections may derive profit from. or
receive any reward or remuneration directly or indirectly for, any published account of 45
an offence for which a prisoner or person subject to community corrections is serving a
sentence.
(6) Any prisoner or any other person who contravenes subsections (1). (2) or (5) is
guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment, to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to such imprisonment without the 50
option of a fine or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(7) A Court convicting a prisoner or any other person of an offence in terms of this
section may. declare any reward or remuneration received by or on behalf of such
prisoner or person. forfeit to the State.
96 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GME~E. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORMCTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

Unauthorised wearing of departmental dress or insignia

lM. Any unauthorised person who wears or uses the departmental dress, distinctive
badge or insignia of the Department or of a custody official or anything deceptively
resembling them is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default
of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to such 5
imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Masquerading as an official

125. Any person masquerading as a correctional or custody official is guilty of an

offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment. to imprisonment for
a period not exceeding two years or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or 10
both.

False representations

126. Any person who obtains an appointment as a correctional official or as custod)

official by means of any false representation commits an offence and is liable on
conviction to a fine, or in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15
one year or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Unauthorised disclosure of information

127. Any correctional or custody official or any person in the service of the
Department or in the employ of the Contractor or a subcontractor who unlawfully
discloses information in circumstances in which he or she hews, or could reasonably be
expected to bow, that such a disclosure may prejudicially affect the exercise or the
performance by the Department of its powers or functions under this Act. or that of a
Contractor in terms of the contract. is guilty of an otience and liable on conviction to a
fine or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or
to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

Unauthorised access to or modification of computer material

128. (1) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “access to a computer.’ includes access by whatever means to any program or
data contained in the random access memory of a computer or stored by any
computer on any storage medium, whether such storage medium is physically 30
attached to the computer or not. where such storage medium belongs to or is
under the control of the Department or a custody official:
(b) “contents of any computer’. includes the physical components of any
computer as well as any program or data contained in or stored as envisaged
in paragraph (a); 35
(c) “modifies’. includes a temporary or permanent modification;
(d) “perform a function on a computer “ includes copying or downloading; and
(e) “unauthorised access’. includes access by a person who is authorised to use
the computer but unauthorised to gain access to a certain program or to certain
data held in such computer or who is at the relevant time temporarily 40
unauthorised to gain access to such computer, program or data.
(2) Any person who intentionally gains unauthorised access to any computer or to
any program or data held in such a computer belonging to or under the control of the
Department or Contractor, or in a computer to which correctional or custody officials
have access in that capacity, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, 45
in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to such
imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.
98 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GME~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111.1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(3) Any unauthorised person who performs a function on a computer belonging to or

under the control of the Department or a Contractor or to which correctional or custody
officials have access, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, in
default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to such
imprisonment without the option of a fine or both. 5
(4) Any person who intentionally modifies the contents of any computer belonging to
or under the control of the Department or a Contractor or to which only correctional or
custody officials have access in order to impair the operation of any computer or its
operating or the reliability of data held in it or to prevent or hinder access to any program
or data held in any computer, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or, 10
in default of payment. to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to such
imprisonment without the option of a fine. or both.
(5) The courts of the Republic of South Africa have jurisdiction to try any person
under this section whether such an offence was committed outside the Republic if—
(u) the accused was in the Republic; ]5
(b) the computer concerned was in the Republic: or
(c) the accused was a South African citizen.

Indirect complicity

129. Without derogating from any specific provisions in this regard any person who
assists. conspires with or incites another to contravene any provision of this Chapter. 20
commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the punishment stipulated in such
provision.

CHAPTER Xf’I

GENER4L

Limitation on legal proceedings ~~

130. ( 1 ) No legal proceedings may be instituted against the Department. State or an!
bed! or person in respect of any alleged act performed in terms of this Act or any other
law. or an alleged failure to do anything which should have been done in terms of this
Act or an) other law’. unless such proceedings are instituted within 12 calendar months
of [he date upon which the claimant became aware of the alleged act or omission. or after 30
the date upon which the claimant might be reasonably expected to have become aware.
whichever is the earlier date.
(2) No proceedings contemplated in the subsection ( 1 ) maj be instituted before the
expir! of at least one calendm month after written notification of the intention to
institute such proceedings. has been served on the defendant giving particulars of the 35
alleged act or omission.
(3) If an? notice contemplated in subsection (2) is given to the Commissioner or to
the Provincial Commissioner of the province in which the cause of action arose. it ser~’es
as a notification to the defendant.
(4) Any process by which any proceedings contemplated in subsection ( 1 ) are 40
instituted and in which the Minister is the defendant or respondent may be served on the
Commissioner or Provincial Commissioner.
(5) Subsections ( 1 ) and (2) do not preclude a court of law from dispensin& with the
requirements or prohibitions contained in those subsections where the interests of justice
so require, 45

Liability for patrimonial loss arising from performance of service by persons under
community corrections

131. In the event of a person serving community corrections being liable in delict for
an act or omission in the course of such service, the damages sustained may be
recovered from the State. 50
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Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

Establishment, management and exemption from certiin moneys of canteens at

prisons

132. (1) Canteens for the exclusive use or benefit of correctional officials, the families
of such officials and other persons or categories of persons prescribed by regulation. may
be established and conducted on such conditions and in such manner as may be 5
prescribed by regulation.
(21 No licence fees or fee. Ieviable by law, is payable by any person under any law or
by-law in respect of any canteen established in terms of subsection (1).
(3) The production of an official document bearing the signature of the Minister or of
a person authorised by him or her to si&n any such document and indicating that he or 10
she has cenified the canteen. shall be conclusive proof that it is a canteen as
contemplated in subsection (1].
(4) For the purposes of this section “canteen.’ includes—
(u) any mess for officials of the Department or any institution of the Department
or any premises temporarily or permanently used for providing recreation. 15
refreshment or necessaries for the exclusive use or benefit of officials of the
Department. the families of such officials and other persons or categories of
persons prescribed by regulation:
(I2 / any canteen which before the date of commencement of this Act was certified
b~’ the Minister or any person authorised by him or her as contemplated in 20
subsection (3), shall be deemed to be a canteen established on the conditions
and in the manner referred to in subsection ( 1).

Agreements for articles, supplies and services

133. ( I ) All State departments must, as far as practicable. purchase al~icles and
supplies manufactured by prisoner Iabour from the Departmen[ at fair and reasonable 25
prices as may be determined by the Minister of Finance.
(~) The Commissioner may authorise specific ser~lces necessary or expedient and in
the public interest or in the interest of any deserving charity to be rendered gratuitously.

Regulations

134. ( 1 ) The Minister may make regulations not inconsistent with this *4c1 as tti 30
(a) the safe custody of prisoners and the maintenance of good order. discipline
and security in prisons:
(b) the provisions of a register and the procedure for recording in it information
regarding a poisoner. s identification, date and hour of admission and release.
the authority for doing so, and the prisoner’s personal and criminal record; 3j
(c) the procedure to be followed on admission for the medical examination of a
prisoner:
(d) the assessment of a sentenced prisoner;
(e ~ the receipt and safe custody of money or other articles belonging to a prisoner
by correctional oficials at prisons and the fate of such possessions should a 40
prisoner escape. die or fail to claim them:
(f) accommodating prisoners in cells in respect of floor space. cubic capacity.
lighting. ventilation, sanitary installations and general health conditions:
(g) the classification of categories of prisoners based upon age, gender. health and
security risk considerations; 45
(}?) the location, transfer, temporary leave. placement and release of prisoners;
(;) the diet of prisoners with special provision for the nutritional requirements of
children. pregnant women and any other category of prisoners whose physical
condition requires a prescribed diet;
(/) the clothing and bedding to be supplied to and worn by prisoners: 50
102 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GAZEfi, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORWCTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

(k} the standards of hygiene to be maintained by prisoners in reference to their

daily exercise and health care;
(I) visits to prisons by relatives of prisoners and others and arran&ements for a
prisoner to consult with a legal practitioner;
(m) providin& money, food. clothing, a traveling allowance or method of 5
transport for prisoners prior to their placement for release;
(n) the procedure to be followed on the death of a prisoner;
(o) informing the next of kin of death of a prisoner and the conveyance and
disposal of the body:
(p) financial and other support of institutions, social agencies and individuals 10
promoting the social responsibility and human de~’elopment of prisoners;
(q) the admission to a prison of persons other than correctional officials, custody
officials or prisoners:
(r/ the manner in which a prisoner may make requests and complaints. and how
they are to be dealt with by correctional officials or custod} officials:
(.\ / conducting disciplinary proceedings against a prisoner and the implen~en~a-
[ion and enforcement of any penalt! imposed;
(r) the procedure to be followed by a prisoner in exercising a right of appeal.
re~iew or pardon or in making an! or further representations or submissions:
(~f) those amenities susceptible to restriction as a penalty for disciplinary
infringements and the amenities allowed to unsentenced prisoners:
(i) the searching of persons upon entering or when inside a prison:
(!l) the examination. confiscation and disposal of any document or other article
found in an! prison:
f.r) the permissible mechanical restraints and the manner in which they ma! be
used:
( \~ the permissible non-lethal incapacitating devices and the manner in which
the!’ may be used:
(:) the use of weapons other than fire-arms and non-lethal incapacitating devices:
(au ) the reporting procedures when force is used;
(bb) providing and equipping workshops and other Pdcilities for the trainin& of and
the use by prisoners and the supply of material for that purpose:
(CC) the working hours. gratuity and conditions relating to work done by prisoners;
(old) the composition of Case Management Committees and the designation of the
prisons they are to serve: 35
((,(’ ) the entering into contracts for Iabour or services of prisoners or the products
of their Iabour or services:
(~) the obtaining and recording of information relating to persons subject to
community corrections:
fg<) the composition and super~’ision of a community corrections office; 40
(1?/?) the appointment and conditions of service of correctional officials and
voluntary workers and all personnel matters pertaining to them:
(;i) the establishment. management and control of a scheme to provide for
medical treatment of correctional officials and other persons entitled thereto:
(jj) the establishment. management and control of a private fund for the purposes 45
of developing and supporting correctional officials or other persons financially
or otherwise:
(kk) the powers. duties and functions of correctional officials. temporary correc-
tional officials. unpaid voluntary workers. Directors of joint venture prisons
and custody officials and. in general, the operation of a prison; and 50
(11} generally. all matters considered necessary or expedient for attaining the
purpose of this Act.
(2) The Minister may also make regulations with regard to the powers of the
Commissioner to issue orders for the Department which are not inconsistent with this
lM No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GMEmE, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 198 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT. 1998

Act and personnel-related provisions and which must be obeyed by all correctional
officials and other persons in the service of the Department to whom such orders apply.
(3) A regulation may provide penalties for its contravention or failure to comply with
it and other penalties in the case of any subsequent contravention or non-compliance.
Such penalties may consist of a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six 5
months. or such imprisonment without the option of a fine. or both such fine and such
imprisonment.
(4) If the Minister considers that a regulation is not suited to the circumstances of a
particular prison or community corrections office he or she may modify its application
to such prison or community corrections office. 10
(5) The Minister must refer proposed regulations to the relevant Parliamentary
Committees in both Houses dealin& with the Department.

State bound by Act

135. This Act binds the State.

Transitional provision 15

136. ( 1 ) Any person serving a sentence immediately before the commencement of this
Act will be subject to the provisions of the Correctional Services Act, 1959 (Act No. 8
of 1959), relating to his or her placement under community corrections. but the Minister
may m~e such regulations as are necessary to achieve a uniform policy framework to
deal with prisoners who were sentenced immediately before the commencement of this 20
Act, and no prisoner may be prejudiced by such regulations.
(~) For the puvoses of considering the placement of such person under community
corrections, the relevant authority provided for in this Act will have the power to
consider such a placement.

Repeal of laws 25

137. The Acts set out in the Schedule are hereby repealed or amended to the extent set
out in the third column of the Schedule.

Short title and commencement

138. ( 1 ) This Act is called the Correctional Services Act. 1998. and comes into
operation on a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gaze[[e. 30
(2 J Different dates may be fixed under subsection ( I ) in respect of different
provisions of this Act.
(3) Different dates may be fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazetle for
the repeal of different provisions of the Correctional Services Act. 1959 (Act No. 8 of
1959). 35
106 No. 19522 GOVERNMENT GME~. 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111,1998 CORMCTIONAL SERVICES ACT, 1998

SCHEDULE

LAM’S AMENDED BY SECTION 136

No. and year of law Short title Extent of repeal or amendment

Act 8 of 1959 Correctional Services Act The repeal of the whole.
Act 51 of 1977 Criminal Procedure Act 1. The amendment of section 1
by the substitution for the defini-
tion of "Commissioner" of the
following definition:
“ ‘Commissioner’. means the
Commissioner of Correctional
Services as defined in section
138 of the Correctional Ser-
vices Act, 1998. or a person
authorized by him or her:”
2. The amendment of section 1
, the substitution for the defini -
tion of “Correctional Official” of
the following definition:
" 'correctional official’ means
a correctional official as de-
fined in sect]on 1 of the Cor-
rectional Services Ac[, 1998;.”.
3, The amendment of section 1
by the substitution for the defini-
tion of “’correctional supervi -
non” of the following definition:
" ‘correctional supervision'
means a community based
sentence to which a person is
subject in accordance with
Chapter V and VI of the Cor-
rectional Service Act. 1998.
and the regulations made un-
der that Act if --
( a ) he has been placed under
that section 6(1) (c);
(b) it has been imposed on
him under section
276( I ( h ) or (i) and he. in
the latter case. has been
placed under that:
(c) his sentence has been con-
verted into that under sec-
tion 276A(3 )(e))ii),
286 B(4)(b)(ii) or 287(4) (b)
or he has been placed un-
der that section
286 B(5)(iii) or 287(4)(a):
(d) it IS a condition on which
the passing of his sentence
has been postponed and he
has been released under
section 297( 1)(a )(i )(ccA);
or
108 No, 19522 GOVERNMEW GUE~, 27 NOVEMBER 1998

Act No. 111, 1998 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT, 1998

No. and year of law Short title Extent of repeal or amendment

(e) it is a condition on which
the operation of—
(i) the whole or any part;
or
(ii) any part,
of his sentence has been
suspended under section
297(1 )(b) or (4). respec-