A tour of the Ermelo Correctional Services Centre
The tour was the Department of Correctional Services’ way of building a good working relationship with media houses and to bridge the gap between the society and offenders.
Members of the media and officials from Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) were treated to a tour of the Ermelo Correctional Services Centre on Wednesday, 30 May.
This was part of the Department of Correctional Services and GSDM’s plan to introduce a working relationship with media houses, to educate them about how the facility is run and what occurs daily at the centre.
The tour consisted of visits to various departments inside the centre, from the kitchens to the holding cells.
The group was shown how the inmates go about their day from beginning to end.
The highlight was the contraband room where various man-made weapons and items that were confiscated from inmates by prison officials are stored.
These ranged from illegal substances to cell phones and sharp objects that could be used to cause harm.
The tour proceeded to the GSDM offices where musical groups from the Ermelo Correctional Service Centre entertained the attendees.
