POPCRU Highlights Urgent Need for Reform in Overcrowded Prisons

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has raised grave concerns over the current inmate population across the country’s prison facilities, which has surged to approximately 170,700 against an approved bed capacity of only around 107,000.

These lopsided figures, according to the union, demonstrate the daunting reality that the country’s prisons currently face.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that its facilities nationwide have a capacity of more than 107,000 beds, meaning the number of inmates far exceeds the department’s approved bed capacity.

Addressing a media briefing last week, Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale said the country’s prisons were under immense strain.

“This level of incarceration represents the highest population recorded in recent years and has placed immense pressure on infrastructure, staffing, security management and budget, which was compounded by reduced court activity during this period.”

He acknowledged that prisons were overburdened.

“The numbers continue to increase, and this reflects the effectiveness of the Justice, Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster — primarily the police, prosecution and the courts. However, it continues to put more weight on the correctional system in terms of population,” said Thobakgale.

POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo told the Daily News that members were operating under “extreme duress”, presenting serious implications for both inmates and dedicated correctional officials striving to uphold safety and rehabilitative standards.

Mamabolo noted that the impact of large-scale overcrowding extends far beyond numbers.

He said the imbalance compromises staff-to-inmate ratios, placing correctional services officials at greater risk of violence, health challenges and psychological distress.

“The excessive workload, long working hours and unyielding tension within these facilities contribute substantially to burnout among our members. This alarming trend not only undermines staff safety but also deteriorates morale, ultimately affecting the functioning of the entire correctional system,” Mamabolo said.

While the DCS is mindful of the crisis and has responded by establishing operational plans together with employee wellness programmes, POPCRU contends these actions fall short of addressing the full scope of the issue.

“Wellness interventions are essential, but they cannot solve the fundamental problems of structural overcrowding,” Mamabolo noted.

POPCRU called for a re-evaluation that includes improved staffing levels, infrastructure upgrades and comprehensive systemic changes needed to alleviate the burden currently placed on frontline correctional officials.

The overcrowding predicament, POPCRU asserted, is not isolated to the department alone but reflects a broader crisis within the criminal justice system.

A significant portion of the inmate population comprises remand detainees awaiting trial, highlighting the urgency of expediting court processes and improving case management.

Mamabolo said the introduction of non-custodial sentencing options, expansion of parole mechanisms and enhanced community corrections are imperative steps that could ease pressure on already strained facilities.

POPCRU also urged government to prioritise filling vacant funded posts and investing in modern infrastructure aligned with the realities of a growing inmate population.

The union warned that without decisive action, ongoing overcrowding will significantly erode safety, rehabilitation and organisational stability at correctional centres nationwide.

POPCRU said it would continue engaging with the DCS on these pressing issues through available platforms.

“The well-being and dignity of correctional officials remain paramount as the organisation advocates for sustainable solutions to the persistent problem of overcrowding,” said Mamabolo.

DAILY NEWS