Increase in number of child prisoners - SA

[dArKeR]

The number of juvenile offenders in prisons has increased from 4 093 in 2002 to 4 449 this year, according to the Department of Correctional Service's annual report. This figure includes 221 14-year olds.

The report said there are currently 4 449 sentenced and unsentenced children in prisons throughout the country.

There were 2 654 unsentenced juveniles and 1 795 sentenced juveniles in custody on March 31 this year.

According to an age breakdown on the same day there were 221 14-year-olds; 523 15-year-olds; 1 398 16-year-olds; and 2 307 17-year-olds in prison.

The report listed 13 youth correctional centres in the country but stated young offenders were sometimes accommodated in sections of adult prisons.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=21509