Ximbi pleased with correctional services’ response to revealing prison images
FOURWAYS–The Department of Correctional Services gives an update on the disturbing 'stripper' incident at the Johannesburg Medium B Prison.
On 26 June newspapers reported that dancers were brought to Johannesburg Medium-B prison to entertain inmates as part of Youth Month celebrations.
The women wore outfits that left little to the imagination and held what was referred to in reports as a ‘strip show’ for offenders. This information and pictures of the women dancing for the prisoners were widely published on social media.
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The chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Dumisani Ximbi, is nonetheless pleased with the speedy response by the Department of Correctional Services to investigate the matter. “The committee looks forward to receiving a detailed report on the outcome of this investigation,” said Ximbi.
Prison authorities have said they will take strong action against officials at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre who allowed the entertainment to take place. It was further reported that at least 13 officials face suspension over the incident.
“The committee wishes to condemn this event in the strongest terms, as it does not reflect the values which the Department of Correctional Services should uphold in rehabilitating offenders,” said Ximbi.
He added, “[I fail] to understand how the strippers were meant to rehabilitate offenders or fulfil the department’s strategic outcomes.”
Acting National Commissioner of Correction, James Smallberger said in a media statement, “We will make sure that those found guilty face the consequences of their actions and also that sufficient measures are put in place to ensure that similar incidents do not repeat themselves.”
Smallberger said that a full investigation is underway and apologised to South Africans, adding that those responsible will be dealt with. Ximbi expressed the committee’s wish for a speedy and urgent resolution to these matters so that the focus can return to rehabilitation in correctional centres.
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