The fiscal year runs from 1 April to 31 March of each year.
Inmates included unsentenced and sentenced prisoners.
Unsentenced inmates include those who are awaiting trial or sentencing, state patients awaiting placement in designated mental health facilities, and involuntary mental health care users.
Data for inmates have been aggregated by ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ.
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Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa 2021/2022, by province
As of the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the number of inmates far outweighs the approved bed space. In total, the approved bed space amounted to **, and the overall prison population came to **. This has resulted in an overpopulation of prisoners. Overcrowded prisons have an impact on the physical and mental state of inmates. Therefore, it has a negative effect on rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, when compared to the total number of contact crimes committed, it demonstrates that the overall criminal justice system in South Africa is in need for improvement.
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ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. (July 24, 2023). Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 03, 2026, from /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. "Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province." Chart. July 24, 2023. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 03, 2026. /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. (2023). Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 03, 2026. /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. "Number of Inmates versus Approved Bed Space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by Province." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 24 Jul 2023, /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/ (last visited August 03, 2026)
Number of inmates versus approved bed space in South Africa in 2021/2022, by province [Graph], ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, July 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1399636/number-of-inmates-versus-approved-bed-space-by-province/
