She said in a statement :“Section 71 of the Act, expressly stipulates that a female inmate may be admitted into a prison or correctional facility for custody with her infant. Such an infant shall be supplied with food, clothing and other necessities by the State.
“In terms of the Act: (a) an infant may accompany their
mother and reside with her in the prison or correctional facility until such
infant attains the age of 36 months and up to 59 months; (b) an infant may be
let in the care of relatives who are willing and able to support; and (c) if
the mother has no relatives or friends who are willing and able to care for the
child, the infant may be placed, subject to relevant laws, to the care of
welfare authorities.”
She said female inmates accompanied by infants are informed
of the options before incarceration.
Mabhiza said female inmates accompanied by infants opted
not to be separated from their infants as they would be breastfeeding or
because they did not have relatives who could look after their children while
they were in prison.
A special treatment is accorded to children of incarcerated
mothers and there is a dietary scale for such children up to the age of 54
months, Mabiza said.
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