The Department of Correctional Services says the electronic monitoring of offenders will not only result in substantial savings for taxpayers, but it will also effectively track offenders 24/7.
Speaking at the launch of the GPS electronic monitoring gadget for awaiting-trial detainees, Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the initiative was aimed at “enhancing public safety through electronic monitoring”.
“Presently, it costs the taxpayer over R9 876.35 per month to incarcerate an inmate. For electronic monitoring, the monthly cost per offender is R3 379. This equates to a saving of almost R6 500 per offender every month,” said Ndebele on Monday.
The tagging involves the strapping of a watch-like gadget to the leg. Once the bracelet is fitted, and set to ‘active’, it cannot be removed without breaking the transmitter, strap or connecting clips.
Should an offender commit any violation, alerts are immediately generated and transmitted. Interference with the equipment, including tampering or failing to charge the receiver, is electronically relayed to the control room.
Ndebele hoped that the gadget would help with overcrowding in the country’s correctional facilities, which he said was a problem, as well as reduce the cost of keeping offenders in prison.
“It is also cost effective and bestows the responsibility of rehabilitation and reintegration upon the community and its stakeholders,” he said.
As of 7 November, the Department of Correctional Services had 154 897 inmates in their custody.
The number of sentenced offenders was 112 121 and the number of remand detainees was 42 776.
On average, Ndebele said about 15% to 20% of awaiting-trial detainees were in custody because they could not afford bail.
“No address means no bail and no address means no parole. The roll out of the gadget has been budgeted in the next financial year,” said Ndebele. – SAnews.gov.za
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