night
15 April 2007
Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour has expressed great shock at
the passing on last night of three Krugersdorp Correctional Centre offenders
after allegedly being assaulted by officials. The assault incident followed an
apparent inter-gang fight that broke out among offenders during the day,
leaving an offender with stab wounds.
The injured offenders were taken to hospital for medical treatment but
unfortunately passed on last night. A case of murder (case number MAS
469/04/2007) has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) who
have sent a high level team to conduct criminal investigations and is currently
interviewing many eyewitnesses that include offenders and officials. The
Department as well sent a high level team to investigate the incident for
instituting disciplinary proceedings.
Minister Balfour says incidents of this nature cannot be tolerated whether
perpetrated by officials or offenders themselves within the community of
correctional services because it flies in the face of the Department's core
business of ensuring safe, humane and secure custody of offenders. He undertook
to root out any rotten elements in the system that might be bent on bringing
back atrocities witnessed during the apartheid era.
Minister Balfour said the respect of human rights of all people including
offenders is the cornerstone of today's constitutional democracy and
correctional system and therefore anyone abusing power should face the
consequences of such actions. The incident has also been reported to the
Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons for own investigations. Minister Balfour gave
a directive that investigations must be expeditiously concluded.
The Minister also expressed condolences to families and friends of deceased
offenders who are being informed of the incident. He further reiterated a call
to all officials to ensure that the offenders are treated decently, humanely,
and with fairness. He also warned offenders that security is closing in on gang
related and other incidents of violence. Immediate action will be taken against
the six officials alleged to have perpetrated the atrocity.
Further details will be made available in due course including names,
offences and sentences of offenders when their next of kin have been
informed.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Ministry of Correctional Services
15 April 2007
