2.2 Security 2.2.1 Despite this programme having been allocated R5, 36 billion in 2011/12, the DCS succeeded in meeting very few of its key security targets. The DCS' core function is to ensure the safe custody of those in its care, yet it failed to reduce the level of assaults as per the target. In the first quarter of 2012/13 the DCS also failed to meet the target set in this regard. According to the annual report 17% of assaults on inmates are perpetrated by officials charged with their care. Official-on-inmate assaults were attributed to the "mindset of officials", and misinterpretation of the use of minimum force. Alarmingly the JICS reported that in very few instances in which officials were implicated, appropriate disciplinary action was taken. 2.2.2 As alarming as the number of assaults, is the fact that on average, 11 offenders die of unnatural causes in incarceration every three months. Although the DCS had succeeded to in the first quarter of 2011/12, meet its target of reducing deaths to 0,03%, the Committee remains of the opinion that a single unnatural death in incarceration is unacceptable particularly given the DCS above-mentioned responsibility to guarantee safe and secure incarceration. 2.2.3 According to the annual report, a key target in the development of an Integrated Security Technology Strategy was not achieved owing to the DCS' limited technical expertise. Affected programmes include the Automated Persons Identification System (APIS), Audio Video Remand (AVR), Body Scanning Devices, Inmate Tracking, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Security Access Control and Security Fences. In the first quarter of the 2012/13 financial year, the DCS reported that only half of the targeted 78 correctional centres had been equipped with fully functional access control security turnstiles. The under performance was ascribed to the fact that when the maintenance contract expired on 31 March 2012, specifications for new maintenance contracts had not yet been completed. The upgrade, repair and maintenance of the systems have since been registered with the Independent Development Trust (IDT) for the appointment of a service provider to develop bid specifications and a bill of quantities. 2.2.4 Given that the programme annually receives the second largest portion of the DCS' overall budget, the Committee remains extremely concerned about the DCS' failure to manage the often very costly contracts awarded under this programme.