I support the views expressed yesterday by Minister of Justice Dullah Omar on the need for an amendment to Section 29 of the Correctional Services Act. I have already had discussions with him in this regard and believe, like him, that the matter requires urgent attention.
The present legislation fails to make a distinction between juveniles accused of serious offences and those accused of minor offences. Although it remains a basic principle that children should be kept out of prisons, this principle must at all times be balanced with the need to guarantee public safety.
Because of the chronic lack of proper places of safety for juveniles, a crisis has developed in many areas. It is therefore essential that the legislation is speedily amended so that public safety can be better guaranteed.
I therefore give my full support to such an amendment and will consult with the Minister of Correctional Services at the first possible opportunity.
Issued by Carl Niehaus, Chair of ANC Study Group on Correctional Services. For more information or comment, phone 082 891 4071 or page Ronnie Mamoepa on 011-4571111 c 1693.
22 October 1995