St Alban’s Prison In St Alban’s Prison, there are 717 juveniles. They are separated from the adults. Those between 18 – 20 years are held in single cells with each cell holding three juveniles. The cells measure about 3m x 7m and were meant to hold only one juvenile. Only two bunk beds can fit into the cell therefore one of the juveniles has to sleep on the floor using mattresses. The toilet is also in the same small room and not separated, which the juveniles have to use in the presence of others. The juveniles are locked up for 23 hours a day and are not involved in sporting activities or formal and vocational training. There is a clinic in this section with about five nurses and a doctor who visits four times a week. According to authorities in the clinic, “male rape” is prevalent in the juvenile section with about 2 to 3 reports a week. The major problem in addressing the problem is that the victims are scared to report the perpetrators. The juveniles also complained about molestation and assaults especially during routine searches. They complain that authorities insert their fingers into their anus to look for drugs and other forbidden substances. There is only one social worker in the prison. The Durban Youth Centre The Durban Youth Centre has a total of 925 prisoners with ages ranging from 14 to 21. The majority have been sentenced but a large number still remains un-sentenced. The composition of juveniles in the Centre can be illustrated as follows: Age Group Total Sentenced 14 years 15 years 16 years 17 years 18 – 21 years Total Age Group 5 16 33 67 377 498 Total Un-sentenced 14 years 15 years 16 years 17 years 18 – 21 years Total 33 69 128 135 62 427 All the juveniles in this Centre are males. They are provided with formal education from grade 10 to 12. And the teachers are qualified professionals from within the Department of Correctional Services. Where a particular skill cannot be found within the Department, 44

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