Scorpion Legal Protection explains the prisoner visitation process under the Disaster Management Act: Measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of Coronavirus Covid-19 in all correctional centres and remand detention facilities.
Visiting prisoners during Covid
Prison visitation was not allowed during previous, harsher lockdown levels in 2020. Since the country moved to alert level 2 (and now adjusted level 1), prison visitation is allowed but must be done according to the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) standard operating procedures as well as strict covid protocols gazetted in the Disaster Management Act: Measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in all correctional centres and remand detention facilities.
DCS is monitoring the situation in their facilities closely, and if there are new or suspected cases of Covid-19 in a facility or unforeseen circumstances at the premises, this could affect visitations. If you are planning a visit, you should always confirm your visit with the correctional centre before travelling.
What to bring with
Please be aware that you will be searched before being allowed to enter the premises. To visit someone, you will need to bring:
- Your valid South African ID or passport
- Personal details of the person you want to visit
- The case number or registration number of the offender(s) you want to visit
- Face mask/covering as per Covid protocols, which must be worn at all times
Rules for in-person visits
Visits are limited to two non-contact visits per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time. You must make an appointment for a visit at least 48 hours before you intend to visit. If you do not, you will not be allowed to visit. Only visitors with face masks and who are on the approved list will be allowed. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the time your visit is scheduled for.
Inmates will be allowed to receive items as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy.
For visits from lawyers and legal counsellors, meetings must be non-contact and observe all protocols, as with any other visitor. Legal practitioners must make prior arrangements with the Head of Centre. For urgent matters, legal representatives and inmates can have a telephonic meeting, as long as the Head of Centre has given approval and where circumstances and resources permit.
Prison visiting hours
Visiting hours are between 09:00 and 15:00 on visit days. Where the correctional centre has both sentenced prisoners and remand detainees:
- Remand detainees may receive visits on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, excluding public holidays
- Sentenced prisoners will be allowed visits on Wednesday, Thursday, weekends and public holidays
You will be screened for Covid symptoms, and must indicate if you have been in contact with anyone who has Covid to prevent any potential infections and cross contamination. It is important to know that giving false information is a criminal offence.
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If you have a query, follow Scorpion Legal Protection on Facebook and ask your question during our next Live Q&A (every first Thursday of the month).
* This is only basic advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.