Five items inmates may possess behind bars
Check out this list of items that inmates in South African prisons have a right to, according to the Department of Correctional Services.
AFTER two videos of inmates at the Westville Correction Services having a ‘cocaine party’ recently surfaced, many may wonder what else inmates are exposed to and what they can legally posses during their incarceration.
In the videos, one of the inmates can be seen snorting, what is assumed to be two lines of cocaine, after he filmed himself gleefully dancing, wearing a watch and sunglasses.
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As the inmate pans the camera around, another prisoner can be seen holding a cell phone. Several electrical cords plugged into an outlet become visible, just before the video ends.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, highlighted that inmates in South Africa are not allowed to have cellphones and highly condemned the Westville prison incident.
However, below is a list of items that inmates in South African prisons can enjoy and keep in their prison cells, according to the Department of Correctional Services.
A photo album:
Sentenced prisoners are allowed to have one photo album (20 photos) and 6 loose photos.
Private musical instrument:
Group A prisoners are allowed to have a private musical instrument approved by the Head of the Prison. No boosters or amplifiers.
Writing and poetry:
Possession of completed pieces must be placed with his/ her private property.
Watch, wedding band and jewellery:
Group A inmates may have a watch, wedding band and jewellery for religious purposes.
Personal computers:
Only registered students may be in possession of a computer if approved by the head of the prison.
According to Phiri, this item is under review.
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