OPERATION LOCK UP LAUNCHED

assist the inmates to escape. He said those who tried to do this would be charged.

The number of escapes had fallen significantly by 95.9 percent since 1994. For the 2012/13 year, the department had 59 escapees and 60 escapees for 2013/14.

“Some of the challenges we face are the low levels of family visits,” he said.

Modise said prisoners needed support from loved their ones. He asked families to continue visiting and to maintain contact with their imprisoned relatives, especially younger inmates.

“Incarceration diminishes and undermines family connections,” he said.

Yesterday, emergency support teams and the tactical and high-risk teams demonstrated the security measures they had in place to handle the festive season.

Several inmates and juvenile awaiting-trialists attended the exhibition.

Modise and the sporting bodies present signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to provide their services to help with all the activities.

The operation started on Tuesday and will continue until January 13. Officials said they would look into taking the games further and introducing their own championship games to lift everyone’s spirit at this time.

PICTURES: BOXER NGWENYA HALTING PRISON BREAKS: Correctional Services acting national Commissioner Zach Modise launched Operation Vala to ensure a secure festive season for prisoners at Joburg Correctional Centre. Members of the media are given a demonstration of how an escape...

PLAYING BALL: Basketball is one of the pastimes offered to women serving time at the prison.

PASSING TIME: Inmates keep themselves busy by playing snooker at Johannesburg Correctional Centre.