Prisoners mainly raised concerns with the deteriorating infrastructure that do not allow them to communicate with loved ones during visits. This includes the intercoms and telephones used by prisoners and visitors.

One of the inmates told the minister that he has on several occasions pleaded with the management to attend to the issues but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Another prisoner complained about the quality of food they are being served inside the prison. The inmate alleged that the food is lacking in quality and is at times rotten. Inmates who are infected with the HIV virus cannot eat such meals as it's not healthy for them. In his reply, the minister promised the inmates that all issues raised with him will be given special attention.

During the Q&A session between the minister and the inmates, it was revealed that 40 brand new television sets will be bought for the inmates. Contraband such as cell phones, hard cash and visa cards were amongst the items confiscated during the raid.

Security was intensified earlier when the K9 unit’s dogs, mainly a cross-breed between the South African Boerboel and German Sheppard, roamed the premises. Makwetla’s visit is to clamp down on the contraband inside the prison cells. His visit follows a day after one he undertook in the Johannesburg Correctional Centre were contraband such as cell phones, weapons and drugs were confiscated. The surprise search is part of Correctional Services’ aim to clean up the centre before Christmas.

OFM News