DCS Media Update

17 April 2020

The number of COVID-19 cases in Correctional Services has increased by 9 officials, thus bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 94.

The nine new cases of officials are as follows: Kutama Sinthumule Private Facility, in Limpopo, reported its first case, Warmbokveld in the Western Cape registered four (4) cases, whilst East London and Worcester recorded two (2) new cases respectively.

Therefore, the total breakdown is as follows:-

Eastern Cape

Officials - 29

Inmates - 56 (remains the same as previously reported)

Western Cape

Officials - 7

Inmates - 0

Limpopo

Officials - 1

Inmates - 0

Head Office

Officials - 1

All 27 inmates who were tested at St. Albans are negative. As a result, East London remains the only correctional facility, amongst the country’s 243 centres, to have inmates testing positive for COVID-19.

Screening of officials and those accessing DCS premises remains in force, as a measure to prevent possible transmission of the virus. Decontamination is also underway where positive cases have been reported. It remains critical for all our officials to be vigilant in their activities outside working hours, and they

must adhere to preventative measures including social distancing.

Statement issued by Department of Correctional Services, 17 April 2020