Correctional Services refutes allegations of segregating six inmates
The Department of Correctional Services has noted with concern the allegations published this morning claiming that, in handling six inmates at Kgosi Mampuru II correctional centre, the Department was in breach of the law and international conventions governing the treatment of inmates.
The Department wishes to state categorically that these inmates were not segregated, but separated for operational reasons with access to their amenities. In terms of section 30 (1) (b) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, inmates may be segregated only following an investigation and a disciplinary process, which would result in the institution of segregation as a penalty, where their amenities are reduced or restricted. The penalty of this form requires strict assessment, monitoring and reporting to the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services.
In terms of Section 7 (1) and (2)(e), the National Commissioner of Correctional Services may separate or accommodate inmates separately as one of the tools for effectively managing the conduct of inmates. This measure was taken while the local management was conducting an investigation. They were not punished and they were not charged for any misconduct. They had access to their amenities.
The six offenders were separated with accommodation provided in single cells of Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre from 26 June 2015 to 10 July 2015. Since then they were moved to other sections of Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
The Department welcome the investigation by the Human Rights Commission into the matter and wishes to re-iterate its commitment to uphold the constitution, legislation, its policies and international conventions endorsed by the South African government.
Enquiries: Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 076 0622180
