The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has noted with shock the arrest of five prison officials of the Breede Valley Prison in the Western Cape after allegations of smuggling drugs, corruption and involvement in other gang activities were made against them.
The Committee condemns this type of behaviour on the part of the officials who have been placed in an environment where they are expected to uphold the law and protect the community.
Committee Chairperson Dr Mathole Motshekga said the matter should be probed thoroughly and the law must take its course. The arrest of the five officials, all senior officials with more than 10 years’ experience, follows the arrest of 32 members of the gang in investigations of two murders.
“It is concerning that members, especially senior officials, would be involved in illegal activities in our facilities when they were entrusted to serve and protect.”
Dr Motshekga praised the police for the excellent work done in apprehending the gang.
“The police have done us proud by arresting the suspects and in the process ridding our facilities from rotten apples. We applaud the many upstanding Correctional Officials who day after day go out to do their work diligently.”
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