Deaths in custody raise red flags over prison system

The department of correctional services is facing mounting pressure over deaths in custody after alarming statistics showed 422 deaths remain unconfirmed, or are under investigation, out of 1 718 total deaths recorded in the first quarter of 2025-26.

- Enkosi Selane

Parliament's portfolio committee on correctional services received three damning reports detailing deaths at Mangaung, Goodwood and Oudtshoorn correctional centres, revealing patterns of assault, cover-ups and systemic failures in South Africa's overcrowded prison system.

Of the 1 718 total deaths recorded, 1 144 were classified as natural, while 152 were unnatural.

However, the figure of 422 deaths classified as "unconfirmed or under investigation" has raised questions about transparency and accountability within the correctional system.