Unnatural deaths soar — MPs sound alarm over prison suicide crisis

Cape Town – Members of Parliament’s Correctional Services Portfolio Committee have expressed grave concern over the increasing number of unnatural deaths in South African prisons, particularly those resulting from suicides.

According to a briefing by the Department of Correctional Services, over the past three years, there have been 1,718 inmate deaths, with 1,144 classified as natural causes, 152 as confirmed unnatural deaths, and 422 still under investigation.

Suicides were identified as the leading cause of unnatural deaths, attributed to factors such as inadequate supervision, overcrowding, staff shortages, delays in handling inmate complaints, and mental health issues among inmates.

Acting Deputy Commissioner for Incarcerations and Corrections, Riaan Botha, presented these statistics to the committee, highlighting the alarming 30.09% increase in unnatural deaths over the past three years.

Today at a glance: Hon. Musawenkosi Gasa highlighted that every unnatural death of a perpetrator behind bars reflects a failure of the state’s primary duty to protect citizens from each other, at the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services. pic.twitter.com/xJ4Q6FCdnQ

— MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) September 9, 2025

MPs were critical of the department’s response. EFF MP Carl Niehaus questioned the high number of deaths listed as “unknown causes,” stating, “I don’t understand that you can come and tell me that there are unknown causes of death.”

DA MP Kabelo Kgobisa-Ngcaba criticized the leniency shown towards officials implicated in inmate deaths, suggesting that verbal warnings were insufficient and advocating for more severe disciplinary actions, reported EWN.

The committee also noted the alarming rise in unnatural deaths over the past three years, with a 30.09% increase recorded. MPs expressed concern that prison officials were not being held fully accountable for their roles in these incidents.

The department reported that 86 officials had been charged in connection with unnatural deaths between 2022 and 2025, with 43 cases finalized and 43 still under process.

Botha acknowledged the systemic issues contributing to the crisis, including the 52% overcrowding rate in prisons, which places immense pressure on both inmates and staff. He assured the committee that the department was implementing measures to improve conditions and prevent further tragedies.