Correctional Services Loses R6.4 Million to Default Judgments
The department failed to defend court cases, and a nationwide assessment has been launched to establish the circumstances and responsible officials.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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South Africa's Department of Correctional Services lost R6.4 million through default judgments in the 2025/26 financial year after failing to defend or attend court cases. The losses were disclosed before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services on 14 October.
Why it matters
Default judgments made up more than half of the department's R12.6 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure, which rose from R947,000 the previous year. The department received a disclaimer audit opinion after three consecutive years of unqualified audit opinions with findings, raising concerns about financial control across South Africa's correctional system.
The department must submit a comprehensive report to Parliament within seven working days identifying the court cases, amounts, reasons for non-appearance and responsible officials. Four officials, including the chief financial officer, have been suspended in connection with allegations surrounding the procurement process.
The players
Department of Correctional Services
The South African government department responsible for the country's prisons and correctional centres, which lost the funds and is conducting the review.
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services
The parliamentary committee that oversees the department and exposed the losses, and has instructed it to submit a detailed report.
The details
The default judgments arose when the department failed to defend legal proceedings or comply with court requirements. Auditors also raised concerns about the reliability of supporting documents, including allegations of manipulation involving a coal supply tender.
Timeline
2025/26 financial year: R6.4 million lost through default judgments.
14 October: Losses disclosed before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.
Seven working days: Deadline for the comprehensive report to Parliament.
7 November 2026: Department announced a nationwide assessment to Sunday World.
Legal Context
The losses fall under the accountability framework of the Public Finance Management Act, which requires departments to prevent fruitless, wasteful and irregular expenditure. The disclaimer audit opinion signals a deterioration from three consecutive years of unqualified audit opinions with findings.
Losses of this scale reduce funds available for correctional services and can delay the management of cases involving people held in custody. The findings may lead to stronger litigation management that affects how government departments respond to court proceedings.
The takeaway
Failing to respond to court proceedings can cost the state directly, so the outcome of the assessment will show whether the department can strengthen its litigation management. Parliament's review will determine whether the losses lead to lasting reform.
What happens next
The department must submit its comprehensive report to Parliament within seven working days, and the nationwide assessment of default judgments and responsible officials is ongoing.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Criminal Justice reporting across South Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sunday World.
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