Minister Masutha must prioritise prison corruption 

15 June 2014

Today's media revelations that warders at Leeuhof Prison have been helping prisoners smuggle various contraband in and out of the prison is outrageous and a symptom of a system in crisis.

According to the City Press, warders have been using cell 14 in Leeuhof to facilitate the trafficking of drugs, alcohol and even juvenile offenders (see here).

We welcome the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation's (HAWKS) swift action and news that the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services is investigating the matter. The DA will closely monitor this investigation and do our best to ensure all those implicated and found guilty of wrongdoing are brought to account.

We have continued drug and gang problems in our prisons and we call on the new Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha, to prioritise their eradication. 

His Predecessor, S'bu Ndebele, spent more time jet setting abroad than attending to the conditions and administration of our correctional facilities and we advise Minister Masutha to plot a different course. 

A first step would be a firm commitment to a zero tolerance stance on corruption and ineptitude. Followed by the removal and prosecution of corrupt officials from the Department, and ensuring that there are tighter security searches.

The disciplinary system must be more effective and efficient. Disciplinary procedures need to be conducted rapidly as at present there is no immediate consequence for suspended officials and some remain on suspension for months, even years.

There also needs to be a standard operating procedure approach with regards to security searches across all correctional centres.

Unless we eliminate these problems and focus on rehabilitation, South Africa's prisons will remain a hotbed of violence, corruption, scandal and rights violations.

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, DA Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, June 15 2014

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