Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998)Chapter III : Custody of all Inmates under Conditions of Human DignityPart C : Security26. Safe custody |
| 1) | The right of every inmate to personal integrity and privacy is subject to the limitations reasonably necessary to ensure the security of the community, the safety of correctional officials and the safe custody of all inmates. |
| 2) | In order to achieve the objectives referred to in subsection (1) and subject to the limitations outlined in sections 27 to 35, a correctional official may- |
| a) | search the person of an inmate, his or her property and the place where he or she is in custody and seize any object or substance which may pose a threat to the security of the correctional centre or of any person, or which could be used as evidence in a criminal trial or disciplinary proceedings; |
| b) | take steps to identify the inmate; |
| c) | [deleted by the Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2001 (Act No. 32 of 2001]; |
| d) | apply mechanical means of restraint; and |
| e) | use reasonable force. |
| 3) | In order to achieve the objectives referred to in subsection (1) and subject to the limitations outlined in sections 27 to 35, the National Commissioner may classify and allocate accommodation to inmates. |