Picture: The Witness
A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage and debate about the conditions and privileges afforded to prisoners in South Africa.
The video features an inmate claiming that life in prison is comfortable, with access to free food, electricity, and education, as well as the ability to use a cellphone to post on social media.
In the video, the inmate can be heard saying: “Hello haters, you put us in prison and you think we are suffering? No, my brother, we are doing extremely fine, look how happy we are.” Other inmates in the background seem to agree with him.
According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), prisoners are not allowed to possess cellphones or any other contraband devices. However, despite these regulations, it is not uncommon for inmates to illegally acquire and use cellphones, often through corruption or smuggling.
Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told The Citizen that the department was disgusted by the video making rounds on the internet.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is appalled by the video making rounds on social media by inmate Bornface Banks,” said Nxumalo.
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Nxumalo said the inmate is a Zimbabwean national detained at Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town for alleged kidnapping.
Nxumalo said a search was carried out and the cellphone was confiscated.
“The remand detainee will be taken through disciplinary processes.
“Mobile phones are defined as a contraband in correctional centres hence illegal access and usage is a punishable offence,” he added.
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The department has launched an investigation into the matter and has promised to take appropriate action against the inmate and any other individuals involved.
“DCS is deeply incensed by this behaviour and there shall be strong action and consequences.”
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The inmate’s video drew sharp criticism from the public, with many expressing concern that prisoners are not facing sufficient consequences for their actions and are instead enjoying privileges that many law-abiding citizens can only dream of.
“With the current electricity rates alone… we are the ones in prison from the outside,” said one X user.
The video also raises questions about the security and discipline within correctional facilities, as well as the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes.
“Once again we don’t need the death penalty reinstated. We need harsher punishments for inmates,” @Inenekazi, another X user commented.
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