Inmate’s healthcare in Knysna prison questioned

Serious concerns have been raised about the medical treatment and overall care of a trail-awaiting inmate from George, currently held at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Knysna, reports George Herald.

Michael Adriaan Janse van Rensburg has been in custody since he handed himself over in connection with a R1.6m fraud and money laundering case. He was previously detained in George before being transferred to the Knysna prison. He is frequently transported to George for various reasons.

Medical records raise red flags

According to Janse van Rensburg’s wife, Nadia, a review of the medical records from a local hospital and the DCS points to discrepancies and possible gaps in care since his incarceration in March 2024. 

Hospital records from 2025 indicate conditions such as tachycardia, dizziness, near syncope and hypertension, with notes suggesting he had stopped his chronic medication due to inconsistent availability.

He also has a history of hypertension, arrhythmia, high cholesterol and a prior stroke. Medical recommendations reportedly included a biopsy, specialist follow-ups, blood tests, ECG monitoring and an echocardiogram, none of which, according to Nadia, were carried out.

Wife alleges ‘inhumane’ treatment

In some emails sent in March and April, Nadia described what she believes to be unacceptable and inhumane treatment.

She alleges that the prison staff claimed her husband had refused state medication, that the prescribed treatment was removed despite the medical instructions, and that he had not received timely care after a serious back injury. 

She further claims there is no doctor at the Knysna facility due to a lapsed contract, limited nursing capacity and inadequate basic medical care, including allegations of food tampering.

She says a Section 49G, a legal process allowing for the release of a seriously ill prisoner on medical grounds, has been issued, but no action has followed.

The inmate’s statement

In a written statement in March, Michael raised his concerns about his medical care, safety and treatment in custody.

He disputed claims that he had adequate access to healthcare and claimed there was no communication between the prosecutors and prison medical staff regarding his condition, despite this being raised in court.

He further stated that the facility cannot provide ongoing or specialised treatment, due to the lapsed contract.

Michael also claims he was transported between Knysna and George in the back of a bakkie despite his back fractures, missed a critical hospital appointment due to court appearances, and was unable to secure timely police follow-ups on his statements.

The department answers

A media enquiry was sent to the department in December 2025.

Specific questions were asked such as the alleged interruption or withdrawal of the inmate’s chronic medication, whether required medical referrals, follow-up appointments and recommended tests were carried out, the management and monitoring of the inmate’s high-risk cardiovascular condition, as well as the outcomes of complaints about healthcare access, delays and compliance with legislative requirements governing inmate healthcare.

The department responded last week, saying that the inmates’ healthcare is administered in accordance with the provisions of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 and relevant prescripts; not disclosing any further information saying ‘an inmate’s health records are confidential’.

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