On her Twitter page, Lindiwe Sisulu revealed that she learned with shock that the prison did not allow her or others to see the incarcerated John Block, who she described as a relative.

“This is why we called this media briefing, to show you the blatant abuse of people’s rights. John Block has been incarcerated here in the Northern Cape for some time and he has had relatives, friends, Ministers and Deputy Ministers see him. And so I came to see him and made the necessary applications. This morning (Tuesday 18, October 2022) I was accompanied by my staff and by Reverend Allan Boesak. We wanted to be with him (John Block) and it is his constitutional right to have visitors. It is also my right to have access to him if the law allows that," Sisulu said in her Tweet.

However, the department has responded to set the record straight regarding the claims made by Sisulu. It says it is important to highlight that no member of the public can ever be denied an opportunity to visit an inmate in line with the prescribed procedures as outlined in the Correctional Services Act.

The department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, says there is nothing in law prohibiting ministers from visiting inmates; however, it has to be stated that the same procedures meant for members of the public apply equally to the executive and individuals who may want to provide spiritual support.

“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has been made aware of the remarks made by the Minister of Tourism, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, and Rev. Dr Alan Boesak, in relation to an alleged denied visit to inmate John Block. The 243 correctional centres across the country allow the public to make bookings to visit both remanded detainees and sentenced inmates, with dates and times allocated for such visits. The Correctional Services Act calls for inmates to be treated equally and it will be unfortunate if some are to be treated differently due to their proximity in whatever capacity to certain leaders and prominent people in society. DCS is a security department, hence the need to implement and follow procedures as prescribed. DCS did explain in detail how inmates were being considered for the Covid-19 parole dispensation and the Special Remission of Sentences. There were enquiries about inmate John Block being on the list of those who were granted parole, and it was clarified that he was never on the list as he did not meet the stipulated criteria. It is also critical to highlight that under the Covid-19 Parole Dispensation and Special Remission of Sentences, certain categories of inmates who committed crimes including murder, sexual assault, child abuse, high treason, sabotage, and terrorism, were excluded,” Nxumalo adds.

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