The acting Regional Commissioner for Correctional Services in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Mnikelwa Nxele, has today Saturday, 19 September 2009, refuted media reports alleging that the driver of the vehicle involved in an accident in Pietermaritzburg while transporting correctional officials and offenders was driving under the influence.
According to Mr Nxele, such reports are unfounded and not based on fact. An investigation is still under way.
“We find it very disturbing that a matter as serious as this can be distorted in this manner. Also worrying is the fact that no attempt was made to verify facts with us before these allegations were made. I visited MediClinic Pietermaritzburg today and spoke to our people there. To our knowledge, the member in question does not drink and was not drunk on the day,” said Mr Nxele.
When the accident happened, the officials and offenders involved were on their way to the Durban Westville Correctional Centre where the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize, was presenting the Imbeleko project which is an initiative meant to improve the conditions of babies living with their mothers in correctional facilities.
Those who were injured are in a stable condition while others are already discharged.
Enquiries:
Nokuthula Zikhali
Cell: 083 636 0876
David Hlabane
Cell: 071 452 2942
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
19 September 2009
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
