Family of overdosed inmate seeks answers
Another inmate explained that drugs hidden in plastic balls are thrown over the prison's walls.
The family of one of the two men who allegedly overdosed and died while in the Krugersdorp prison is demanding answers.
Initial article: Two jailbirds die of overdoses
*Debbie Cronje called the News following the death of her cousin Jan Hendrik van Wyk, on 16 June in the Krugersdorp Correctional Services cells. His parents had contacted her from Australia to notify her of the tragic, yet mysterious, passing of their 29-year-old son.
Van Wyk was allegedly serving a two-year sentence for theft and possession of drugs at the time of his death.
A funeral undertaker contacted the family in Australia in connection with funeral arrangements.
Cronje told the News that another family member, who is currently in the same prison, told her that drugs are placed in plastic balls and tossed over the prison walls. The balls are collected by the guards who then allegedly redistribute the drugs inside the prison.
“It is beyond my imagination how it is possible to overdose on drugs in jail,” Cronje said.
Cronje shared one of Van Wyk’s last letters to his mother with the News. He wrote as follows:
“So I close it to leave a piece of everything behind. Mommy I have God. I am in good hands. I need you to keep the family in peace and together. It is my wish not for you to hurt each other. I love you, dad, brother and sister dearly. I am so sorry that I didn’t spend more time with you. I would give anything to see you again. Mommy I love you guys, goodbye mommy.”
The News was unable to make contact with the second convict’s family for more details surrounding his death.
The News also contacted the Krugersdorp Correctional Services spokesperson for comment regarding the allegations and incident. The spokesperson referred the News to the Area Commissioner of the Krugersdorp Management Area, Mantom Mbebe, who in turn referred the News to the Regional Coordinator Communication Services for comment.
Mbebe says that her office does not handle media enquiries at a management area level.
Read more:
Truck ploughs through Correctional Services
Krugersdorp’s Correctional staff shine at awards
Is prison home away from home?
*Debbie is pseudonym and asked the News to keep her identity secret.
