Correctional Services puts human rights first
A probation social worker urged offenders to consider the rights of others, especially their parents.
Authorities reminded Modderbee Correctional Services’ inmates that the Department of Correctional Services promotes the rights of inmates by ensuring that confinement takes place in a safe, secure and humane environment.
This was revealed at a human rights event held at the prison on March 27.
Offenders were encouraged to respect themselves and others around them because all South Africans have the right to dignity and fair treatment.
Addressing the attendees, a social worker from the SAPS, Thuli Mbatha, said the SAPS’ responsibility is to ensure the consideration of the public and inmates’ rights.
“When someone gets arrested, they have a right to be heard and represented by an attorney in court. Voice out your rights, but do not infringe those rights,” said Mbatha.
Probation social worker Minah Mothwa from the Department of Social Development said offenders had made their families secondary victims.
“Some of your parents spent much money to bail you out and sought expensive lawyers to represent you in court because they love you. The health of some of your parents has deteriorated due to the stress that their children are in prison.
“Some inmates still demand pocket money and expensive clothes while in prison. As inmates, you have violated their rights,” said Mothwa.
Mothwa urged offenders to consider the rights of the people who love them.
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