Modderbee Correctional Centre presents huge escape risks 

A blunt disregard by management of warnings regarding serious security breaches has resulted in numerous escapes from Modderbee Correctional Centre in Gauteng.

The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing thousands of Correctional Officers, is questioning why the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has not taken strong steps against the management of the Centre.

"The continued disregard by the Area Commissioner, the Regional Commissioner and even DCS Head Office of the concerns raised by PSA representatives at Modderbee Correctional Centre has directly contributed to the latest of five escapes up to December 2013. Months before the second-last escape, the PSA lodged a complaint with the Centre's management regarding the non-functioning of the electric fence.

This was ignored and after the escape, these same persons had to investigate and admitted that the security fence had been defective for more than two years. Despite this acknowledgment of negligence, there were no consequences for management," said PSA Deputy General Manager, Manie de Clercq.

The PSA cited various instances were stringent steps were instituted against senior officials following escapes from correctional centres in, amongst others, Heidelberg, Baviaanspoort and Boksburg.

"At Modderbee, however, correctional officers are now being charged for something beyond their control. Numerous other heads and security managers have been charged for escapes and security breaches, yet Modderbee has had five escapes and some erroneous releases and no one from management is being held accountable," said De Clercq. The PSA's complaints about this have, despite an investigation, yielded no results," said De Clercq.

The PSA is furthermore concerned about the appalling treatment that employees are being subjected to by management. "Parades at Modderbee are not utilized as a platform for information and prayers, but rather serve as an opportunity for management to insult employees by calling them ‘animals'. Members have also been ‘warned' during parades that should they be given a disciplinary sanction, their appeals will not be considered," said De Clercq.

Other labour-related rights of employees at the Centre are also infringed upon as, according to the PSA, the Centre follows its own policies regarding leave policy, suspension, etc. "The dismal situation at Modderbee is not conducive to the well-being and safety of the employees and South Africans in general," said De Clercq. 

Statement issued by Manie de Clercq, Public Servants Association, January 28 2014

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