Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998)

Regulations for the Administration of the Department of Correctional Services of the Republic of South Africa

Chapter II : Custody of all Inmates under Conditions of Human Dignity

19. Non-lethal incapacitating devices

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1)The only non-lethal incapacitating devices that may be used by trained correctional officials are the following:
a)Chemical agents;
b)Electronically activated devices; or
c)Rubber missiles; and;

 

2)
a)An inmate may under no circumstances be allowed to handle any type of chemical agent used for incapacitating inmates.
b)Gas masks must be issued to correctional officials who are involved in a situation in which chemical agents are used.
c)The Head of the Correctional Centre or the Head of Community Corrections must decide when chemical agents in the form of either cartridges or grenades must be used.
d)The Head of the Correctional Centre or the Head of Community Corrections must decide to which correctional officials chemical agents or spray-cans may be issued in the performance of their custodial duties.
e)The seal of the chemical agent canister may only be broken if it is to be used.
f)Chemical agent grenades may only be used in the open air, in buildings chemical agent cartridges and chemical agent canisters must be used.
g)If chemical agents, are used measures must be applied, if necessary, to provide inmates with first aid or medical treatment.