MINISTER CALLS ON SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILES IN AWAITING TRIAL

Issued by: Ministry of Welfare and Population Development

13 July 2000

The Minister of Welfare and Pop7ulation Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya has noted the progress made in reducing the children awaiting trial at Pollsmoor prison and has called on the Inter-Departmental Task Team to further accelerate the pace so as to ensure that all the cases are resolved soonest throughout the country.

"I want to express my continued serious concern about the reports of overcrowding of children in Pollsmoor Prison. However, I take serious note of the progress that the Interdepartmental Task Team has made since it started working in March 2000. I hope the progress will be further accelerated such that all the cases are dealt with accordingly," said the Minister.

Between March and July this year alone:

• The number of children who are between the ages of 14-17 years and awaiting trial at Pollsmoor Prison has been reduced from 299 -239.
• The probation officers have assessed 202 cases of children and made recommendations that some be transferred to places of safety, some be granted bail, others be put into the care of their parents whilst some remain in prison due to the serious nature their cases.

"I implore the a task Team to work harder and speedily in implementing these recommendations. The on-going co-ordination amongst the Departments of Justice, Correctional Services, Safety and Welfare should be further strengthened such that all the problems of juveniles awaiting trial in prison are resolved effectively and efficiently," the Minister further said.

Meanwhile, since the Inter-Departmental Task Team was established in March this year, it has conducted visits to the various prisons in the country to evaluate the conditions facing the juveniles awaiting trial.

"We need to consolidate and accelerate on the progress made to date and this must take place throughout the country so as ensure a sustainable solution to this problem," said the Minister.

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