Two on hungestrike
The hunger strike of Johan Prinsloo from Springs and Mark Trollip currently in the Grootvlei prison, finally came to an end on Friday afternoon.
According to a source their state of health has deteriorated as both Prinsloo – who suffers from diabetes – and Trollip – who has asthma – are still receiving their daily medication from the prison’s medical team.
“After visiting Prinsloo in prison on Friday, we discussed his health and he then realised it is best for his health to end the hunger strike,” said the source.
The deputy commissioner of the Free State Department of Correctional Services, Grace Molatedi, said prison authorities also tried to discourage them on a daily basis from continuing with the strike, as it could have serious health implications.
A magistrate visited them in prison last week to address their bail grievances.
“We are in continual contact with the justice department and the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) to see if we can resolve their grievances,” said Molatedi.
By the time the strike was called off on Friday, the men had gone without food for 12 days in a bid to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the legal process and the living conditions in prison.
Prinsloo claimed that in his seven months of detention, he has not seen an official charge sheet.
Chief investigating officer in the case, Francois Laux, said it is not a legal requirement when investigations are still in progress for the accused to be shown the charge sheet. According to Francois, they are currently busy with one.
“We are doing everything in our power to have the investigation completed before November,” said Laux.
“Laux contacted me recently and said Prinsloo’s attorney must hand in an application for the docket, which he did.
“The docket was supposed to have been made available on August 8, but after nothing was forthcoming we were told it would be available on Monday (August 19),” said the source who added that by Monday they had yet to be shown the sheet.
Prinsloo and Trollip are the only two, of the original four, still in custody at Grootvlei Prison.
The four are suspected of intending to kill top ANC leaders during the party’s Mangaung conference last year.
Hein Boonzaaier is out on R80 000 bail and Martin Keevy has been transferred to the Free State Psychiatric Complex for observation.
Prinsloo and Trollip will appear alongside their co-accused, Keevy and Boonzaaier, in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court again on August 23.
