South Africa’s (SA) inmate population has surged to more than 170 000, far exceeding the Department of Correctional Services’ approved bed capacity of just over 100 000 - National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has revealed. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the
Department’s Festive Season Security Operations, Thobakgale said the prison population peaked at 170 739 and described the figure as the highest recorded in recent years, placing severe strain on infrastructure, staffing, security management and the department’s budget.

South Africa&rsquo;s (SA) inmate population has surged to more than&nbsp;170 000, far exceeding the Department of Correctional Services&rsquo;&nbsp;approved bed capacity of just over 100 000 - National&nbsp;Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has revealed.&nbsp;Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Department&rsquo;s Festive Season Security Operations, Thobakgale&nbsp;said the prison population peaked at 170 739 and described the&nbsp;figure as the highest recorded in recent years, placing severe&nbsp;strain on infrastructure, staffing, security management and the&nbsp;department&rsquo;s budget.

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