I am deeply concerned about the effect of Section 29 of the Correctional Services Act which prohibits the detention in prison of juveniles, regardless of the nature of the crime they are alleged to have committed.
The failure to make any distinction between juveniles who are accused of committing serious crimes such as murder, rape, and serious robbery from others who may have committed far less serious offences seems to me to be misguided and dangerous. While naturally the rights of the accused must be protected, these must at all times be balanced with the need to protect the public.
I believe that, in the interests of public safety, this Section should be speedily amended so as to distinguish clearly between juveniles accused of serious crimes and others accused of minor offences. Public disquiet at the threat posed by some of these juveniles is justified and it is clear that urgent remedial action is required.
I shall be discussing the matter with the Minister of Correctional Services.
Issued by Susan de Villiers on behalf of the Minister of Justice. For more information, phone 083 252 4770 or page 021 215420 code 27989
21 October 1995