Corrections Commissioner must explain faulty electronic tracking devices

19 April 2016

The DA will write to the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Zach Modise, requesting that he explain the efficacy of the much-vaunted electronic tracking devices that now appear to be faulty. This could have serious implications for convicts under house arrest who abide by the terms and conditions of their bail.

This comes after legal counsel to paraplegic paralympian, Oscar Pistorious, made representations to the North Gauteng High Court that the device kept incorrectly sending warnings to Pistorius that he had violated his bail conditions while he was at home- for a third time. What is more is that we currently do not know how many more convicts are experiencing the same malfunctions on their devices which has the ability to distort due process.

Recently Mr Modise touted these electronic devices as a more effective model; however, this latest development casts doubt on whether or not these devices are in fact effective. At the time these tracking devices were rolled out, the then Minister of Correctional Services, S’bu Ndebele, asserted that the tracking devices have “prove[n] to be economical, effective and efficient… all offenders complied with their parole conditions and did not re-offend.” 

The Commissioner can no longer hold on to these words by Ndebele if three seperate devices have proven faulty for just one individual. Appreciating the seriousness of this matter given that it has adverse effects on the bail conditions of convicts; Mr Modise must tell Parliament the exact details of these malfunctions.

Specifically, he must provide details for the following:

The contracts and tender documents for these tracking devices;

How many of these devices have been returned since they were first rolled out in 2012; 

How many complaints have been logged as to the efficacy of these devices; and

Whether the Commissioner has any plans to recall these devices to mitigate the risks of thwarting due process.

In our new constitutional dispensation all South African’s are afforded protection under the law and are entitled to due process. If these devices are malfunctioning on mass and adversely affecting convicts who are acting in accordance with their bail conditions; they must be fixed. If Modise does not take this matter seriously, I will move that Parliament summon him to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services to explain exactly what the problem is with these tracking devices..

Issued by James Selfe, DA Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, 19 April 2016