About South Africa's Correctional System
South Africa's correctional system is managed by the Department of Correctional Services. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in South Africa, contact US Embassy South Africa at +27 12 431 4000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
South Africa Resources & Legal Services
Key South Africa Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Correctional Services | South Africa | +27-12-307-2000 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy South Africa | South Africa | +27 12 431 4000 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 5 facilities in South Africa
Facility
Closed
Cape Town's major prison. Nelson Mandela was held at Pollsmoor from 1982 to 1988 before moving to Victor Verster. Severely overcrowded. Houses sentenced and remand prisoners.
Facility
Closed
KwaZulu-Natal's main prison. Houses sentenced and remand prisoners. Severely overcrowded.
Facility
Closed
South Africa's largest and most overcrowded prison. Located near the Johannesburg CBD. Known as Sun City. Houses remand and sentenced prisoners. Severely overcrowded. Former inmates include Nelson Mandela briefly after various arrests.
Facility
Closed
The prison from which Nelson Mandela walked free on 11 February 1990. Located near Paarl in the Western Cape wine country. Renamed Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Houses sentenced male prisoners.
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Closed
South Africa's maximum-security prison. Houses the country's most dangerous offenders. Death row was held here under apartheid. Clive Derby-Lewis and Janusz Walu? (Chris Hani assassins) were held here.
South Africa Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in South Africa, contact US Embassy South Africa at +27 12 431 4000 immediately.
Contact US Embassy South Africa at +27 12 431 4000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in South Africa. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Law Society of South Africa for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in South Africa. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each South Africa facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.