Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald recently acknowledged that ensuring medical care for these inmates at the country’s psychiatric hospitals remains a significant challenge. He admitted that these difficulties could ultimately affect their ability to receive a fair trial.

SAPOHR President Miles Bhudu has strongly criticised the current administration, stating that it is incompetent in handling such sensitive issues.

In an interview, Bhudu said:"You know, during the hey days of apartheid—not that I'm glorifying what happened during those days—you had Sterkfontein, Valkenberg in Cape Town, Weskoppies in Pretoria. Those were the institutions where, when you were arrested, they would never keep you in a prison with people who are not suffering from mental illness. It is 31 years, and that system has fallen apart because of negligence, arrogance, incompetence, and the lucky-go-happy attitude of the current powers that be."

The organisation has called for urgent reforms and accountability to restore dignity and justice for mentally ill inmates.

--ChannelAfrica--