Correctional Services condemns inmate arson

A fire broke out in two communal prisoner cells at the Krugersdorp Correctional Services Centre on Friday, 21 October. Various reports have claimed it was caused by rioting prisoners.

Video footage of the fire also surfaced and according to another online news website, it would appear that the recording was made by one of the prisoners.

Singabakho Nxumalo has issued a statement on behalf of the Office of the National Correctional Services Commissioner. The statement says that an internal investigation by the Department of Correctional Services has identified three offenders as the main perpetrators behind the fire that gutted the two communal cells.

“Internal disciplinary steps and criminal proceedings will be instituted against the perpetrators. This could result in, among others, the downgrading of privileges, and additional court sentences for defacing or damaging state property,” said Nxumalo.

Further – the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Zach Modise, has condemned the destruction of state property by the inmates and vowed never to relent in bringing those responsible to account for their irresponsible deeds.

“No grievance or amount of anger can ever justify the destruction of state property worth thousands or millions of rands, while also putting lives of other offenders, service providers and correctional officials at risk. This is a clear act of hooliganism, which will never be tolerated by this Department,” Modise said.

No serious injuries were recorded. Only four offenders and six correctional officials were taken to hospital for treatment, and were discharged on the same day.

“There are numerous platforms and avenues for inmates to raise and register their legitimate concerns, including the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services’ Independent Correctional Centre Visitors,” Modise said, after receiving a preliminary report on the arson incident.

He assured the people of South Africa that his department remains committed to doing everything possible to realise its mandate of safe, secure and humane custody, which he described as a “non-negotiable fundamental for successful implementation of all other interventions such as correction of offending behaviour and rehabilitation of offenders”.

Offender access to and use of mobile phones will also be investigated, as they are prohibited in all Correctional Centres, and are regarded as a serious breach of security.

The Department is resolute in its back-to-basics operations that are aimed at cleaning up and removing all forms of contraband from correctional facilities around the country, and will continue to monitor the behaviour of offenders and root out any elements that may inhibit the delivery of safe and humane custody as prescribed by the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, as amended.

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