Prisoner visits allowed again – under strict conditions
Prisoners will once again be able to receive visitors after the Department of Correctional Services announced the reopening of correctional centres and remand detention centres.
Visits by family, friends and lawyers were halted following the outbreak of Covid-19 in South Africa.
The department said on Monday that visits will be limited to one non-contact visit per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time.
Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says visitors will be required to make a booking at least 48 hours in advance.
"No visits will be allowed without prior appointment. Only visitors with face masks as per the approved name-list will be allowed access. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the scheduled visit time.
“Inmates will be allowed to receive items as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy.”
He adds that consultation visits between lawyers and prisoners will be non-contact.
"On urgent matters, legal representatives and inmates may communicate telephonically after approval from the head of a centre has been obtained, and where circumstances and resources permit.
"Our top priority remains the health and safety of our officials, inmates and the public. We will therefore continue to monitor the situation and adjust safety measures and operating procedures where necessary.”
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