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Bring back the whip, says Minister Groenewald

The Star

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July 04, 2025

SHOULD a person who steals ten loaves of bread be sent to prison for years, or given a painful walloping and sent home?

- SIFISO MAHLANGU sifiso.mahlangu@inl.co.za

That's the debate Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has ignited after suggesting South Africa consider bringing back corporal punishment for petty criminals who can't afford bail. Speaking during a parliamentary discussion on the country’s 2025 correctional services budget, Groenewald said the justice system was collapsing under the weight of overcrowded prisons, and bold ideas were needed.

“There are people sitting in prison for stealing food,” Groenewald said. “Some wait up to three years for sentencing. Isn't it time we asked ourselves - should we bring back corporal punishment?”

He was referring to more than 2 500 detainees who are stuck in prison simply because they can't afford a bail of R1 000 or less.

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