An investigation into challenges faced by Thohoyandou Correction Centres in managing the correction of offenders, and monitoring parolees and its impact to the community

Abstract

This study is an investigation into challenges faced by Thohoyandou Correctional Centre in managing the correction of offenders and monitoring parolees and its impact to the community. In this study, I utilized quantitative approach, purposive sampling in order to increase utility of information obtained from small sample where the key informants were knowledgeable about the phenomena to be studied. Questionnaires were used to collect data from officials, sentenced offenders, parolees and the community because they are more reliable and they guarantee privacy as such they solicit honest response without fear of victimization.

An analysis of findings indicates that Thohoyandou Correctional Centre is faced with a challenge of overcrowding in correctional centres which makes them to be kept in bad condition. The opportunities for offenders to participate in self-improvement and rehabilitative programs are curtailed because officials who offer correctional programmes to sentenced offenders are not enough. Community is providing an environment that encourages the ex-offender to function and contribute positively to the community even though there is an element of resistance by others. Offenders are assisted in promoting their human development in correctional centres for them to become good and law abiding citizens of the society. The Department of Correctional Services is faced with the difficult responsibility of seeking employment for parolees and ex-offenders as offenders are always stigmatized, but they are able to train offenders in order for them to deveiop themselves. This study suggests that there is a need for the Department of Correctional Services to alleviate overcrowding and crowding pressures through alternatives to incarceration, revising sentencing structures, placing caps on populations, early release procedures for offenders. Creation of more bed-space by building correctional facility can also alleviate overcrowding. The government must allocate funds for the construction of new correctional facilities and must ensure that they employ and come up with a retaining strategy of all professionals.