Hundreds of state patients—those declared mentally unfit to stand trial—are being held in prisons instead of psychiatric hospitals.
This number has risen sharply over the past year amid disputes between the Departments of Correctional Services and Health about who is responsible for their care.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald says overcrowded prisons and budget constraints limit their ability to house these patients.
Meanwhile, the Health Department aims to transfer patients within 30 days but lacks sufficient psychiatric beds. Currently, about 400 state patients are in prisons, up from 200 last year.
Legal guidelines are unclear, allowing some patients to remain in prison for months or years. Experts warn this risks punishment over treatment, which is contrary to the goal of rehabilitation and community safety.
To address the crisis, the Health Department plans to expand facilities, recruit more psychiatrists, and partner with non-profits to improve care and support reintegration.
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