As of the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the number of inmates far outweighs the approved bed space. In total, the approved bed space amounted to 108,804, and the overall prison population came to 143,223. This has resulted in an overpopulation of prisoners. Overcrowded prisons have an impact on the physical and mental state of inmates. Therefore, it has a negative effect on rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, when compared to the total number of contact crimes committed, it demonstrates that the overall criminal justice system in South Africa is in need for improvement.
Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province
The fiscal year runs from 1 April to 31 March of each year.
Inmates included unsentenced and sentenced prisoners.
Unsentenced inmates include those who are awaiting trial or sentencing, state patients awaiting placement in designated mental health facilities, and involuntary mental health care users.
Data for inmates have been aggregated by Statista.
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Statista. (July 24, 2023). Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
Statista. "Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province." Chart. July 24, 2023. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
Statista. (2023). Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
Statista. "Number of Inmates versus Approved Bed Space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by Province." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Jul 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
Statista, Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province [Graph], Statista, July 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
