South African correctional centres are safe and hygienic
The Department of Correctional Services has noted with concern inaccurate serious allegations that sought to cast doubt on the state of our correctional centres. The allegations from media reports emanate from the Oscar Pistorius trial that is underway at the North Gauteng High Court. The reports seek to create an impression that our centres are fraught with, amongst other things, unhygienic conditions, gang violence and sodomy or rape.In as much as our department respects the sub judice rule that applies to court proceedings that have not yet been finalised, the image of our correctional centres, our department and the government in general is at stake. We, therefore, deem it appropriate that we register our concern in this regard.
Out of respect for the sub judice rule, we will not comment further on the evidence as reported in the media; save to say that such allegations about the conditions in our centres are inaccurate. We are prepared to make our expert officials available to the court on issues relating to the conditions in our correctional centres as and when required to do so.
Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 083 641 8141
