Big increase in prison rapes
There has been a rise of more than 40 percent in the number of reported prison rapes and sexual assaults in the past year, according to Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, he said there were 643 inmates who had "reported being raped/sexually assaulted" over the past three years.
In 2010/11, the total was 221; in 2011/12, it was 175; and, last year (2012/13), the total surged to 247 reported cases -- 41 percent more than the year before.
The Democratic Alliance said the latest figures were a "shocking revelation" and a stark illustration of the prevalence of sexual violence in the country's prison system.
DA MP James Selfe said in a statement on Wednesday that in 2011, he had successfully lobbied for amendments to legislation to ensure sentenced offenders were assessed to determine their "vulnerability to sexual violence and exploitation" and accommodated in prison accordingly.
"Earlier this year, I submitted parliamentary questions to determine whether the department of correctional services was implementing this amendment, but have not yet received a reply."
Selfe said he would now submit more questions to determine how many of the reported prison rape incidents were actually investigated.
"Given the high levels of victim intimidation and coerced silence in prisons, these figures are probably an underestimation."
According to the 2006 Jali Commission of Inquiry report, rape was rife in South Africa's prisons.
"We hope these new figures will force the [department] to take this issue seriously and finally inspire some action," he said.
-Sapa