MPs sound alarm over 44 unnatural deaths in SA prisons in the first quarter

The South African Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services reports a worrying rise in unnatural deaths.

The South African Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) reported an increase in assaults and 44 unnatural deaths in 2026.

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services raised concerns about ongoing challenges in the correctional system following its consideration of the JICS first-quarter expenditure and performance for 2026/2027, specifically regarding the monitoring of deaths.

The committee was informed that in quarter one of 2025/2026, JICS reported a total of 24 unnatural deaths, with 23 classified as unnatural. In quarter one of 2026/2027, 44 unnatural deaths were reported. Thirty-nine of the unnatural death cases were classified as unnatural other-under investigation, and two were classified as suicide by hanging.

The committee further heard that JICS received 236 complaints during the first quarter, a 25% increase from the previous year. These included 52 complaints relating to inmate-on-inmate assaults and 37 concerning official-on-inmate assaults.

Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng said the committee recognises JICS’s critical role as an independent oversight body responsible for monitoring conditions in correctional centres, the treatment of inmates and compliance with human rights standards, through monitoring deaths, mechanical restraints, segregation and complaints, among other things.

She said although the committee commends the strides made by JICS, particularly in filling vacancies to stabilise the institution, it still missed several key targets.

“Particularly on deaths confirmation, complaints received and referred, payments within 30 days, women representation in senior management, disability representation and the investigation indicator,” Ramolobeng said.

Kgomotso Ramolobeng, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services

The committee is particularly concerned about trends in complaints and deaths. Ramolobeng said the figures on deaths in custody require far more serious attention than what is being given.

She said JICS only achieved 54.5% confirmation for unnatural deaths and 51.59% for confirmation of natural deaths.

“When a person dies in the custody of the state, there must be no uncertainty, no late paperwork and no administrative gaps that should be identified. We are highly concerned. The death reporting failures must be dealt with urgently. Repeated non-compliance by correctional facilities must carry serious consequences,” Ramolobeng said.

The committee welcomed the improvement in staffing. By 30 June 2026, JICS had filled 310 of 330 approved and funded positions, while all 211 Independent Correctional Centre Visitor positions had been filled, reducing the vacancy rate to 6.06% from 41.3% a year earlier.

Ramolobeng said the vacancy rate has dropped, which indicates that the institution is stabilising.