Prisons
Lesotho to release hundreds of prisoners to reduce overcrowding
The government says it is busy implementing recommendations made 22 years ago by the Judge White Commission into prison conditions
News | 24 November 2025
Unsentenced detainees spending years in prison
New legal amendments seek to address prison overcrowding crisis
By Liezl Human
News | 19 November 2025
Transgender prisoner wins right to hormone therapy
The court found the Department of Correctional Services had violated her rights by refusing hormonal treatment as “cosmetic medication”
Law | 11 November 2025
South Africans caught in Nepal prison fires
13,500 inmates escaped from prisons during riots last week
Brief | 16 September 2025
Medical parole system is failing dying prisoners
Terminally ill inmates have died behind bars because the parole process is cumbersome, expensive and inconsistent between prisons
By Elna Schütz
News | 26 August 2025
Model prisoner sues minister for contempt of court after 22 years behind bars without parole
Tebogo Modise was recommended for parole in 2019 but remains in prison despite a court order demanding reasons for his continued incarceration
News | 6 August 2025
Transgender prisoners challenge prison authorities
Correctional Services has developed a standard operating procedure for transgender prisoners, but rights organisations are concerned about implementation
By Elna Schütz
News | 6 August 2025
Court showdown on whether prisons must provide gender-affirming healthcare
Transwoman denied hormone therapy and prevented from using makeup or wearing female prison clothing
Law | 28 July 2025
Not enough prisoners have access to work and training opportunities
People earn less than R250 a month working in prison workshops or farms
By Elna Schütz
Brief | 25 July 2025