Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has instructed an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of a maximum security offender at the Kokstad Ebongweni Correctional Centre.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula gave the investigating team, comprised of four managers from outside of the area, only one month to return with a comprehensive report on the cause and the circumstances of death of the offender.
The Minister made the announcement after visiting the Ebongweni Maximum Security Correctional Centre in Kokstad yesterday. The Minister’s visit was prompted by allegations of irregularities around the reporting incidents leading up to the death said at first to be of natural causes while subsequent information indicated a possible unnatural death.
The death of the 59-year-old offender believed to be a gang leader was reported to the Inspecting Judge of Correctional Services on Monday, 10 August 2009, reportedly a day after his death. The offender was one of 50 dangerous offenders transferred from Durban Westville Correctional Centre in December 2008 following a series of stabbings of correctional officials in gang related incidents of violence.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula views the deaths of offenders and particularly cases of unnatural deaths in a very serious light.
Enquiries:
Sonwabo Mbananga
Cell: 082 401 9965
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
14 August 2009
