Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has assured South Africans that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation into the Mangaung Private Correctional Centre (MCC).
The Minister’s comments follow media reports of allegations of offenders at MCC being forcibly injected with antipsychotic medication, and electroshocks being used to subdue and control offenders.
“As the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), we view these allegations, of forcibly injecting offenders with antipsychotic medication and using electroshocks to subdue and control them, in a very serious light. We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation, in order to ensure that those implicated in such inhumane acts face the consequences of their actions. We have confidence in the DCS team, led by Gauteng Regional Commissioner Zach Modise, which has been managing the operations of MCC since the 9th of October,” said Minister Ndebele.
On 9 October, DCS invoked Section 112 of the Correctional Services Act (Act 111 of 1998 as amended) and took control of the Mangaung Public Private Partnership (PPP) facility after it was established that G4S management had lost effective control.
The safety, and security, situation at MCC was under public scrutiny for a while. This intervention forms part of continuing efforts by DCS to improve safety, and security, in all 243 facilities across the country, and contribute towards ensuring that the people of South Africa are, and feel, safe!
Enquiries:
James Smalberger
Chief Deputy Commissioner: Incarceration & Corrections
Cell: 082 464 4696
