Gang-related incident spurred on assault in Estcourt, says Correctional Services
"Use of minimum force had to be applied, as prescribed, to calm the situation and all nine inmates received medical treatment immediately after the incident"
Just over a month ago, on July 13, an attack is alleged to have taken place at the Estcourt Correctional Services Centre.
A number of inmates reported being injured.
Relating the incident to a reporter from the Estcourt News, an inmate alleged that wardens became violent when they were questioned about not allowing an exercise hour.
The inmate further alleged that prison wardens assaulted fellow inmates with sticks while using pepper spray.
After the alleged assault, the inmate claimed that six people had to be hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of their injuries.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Inmates claim brutal assault at the hands of prison wardens
The Correctional Services Department has finally responded to these allegations and paints a different picture of what took place that morning.
“It was reported that there was a gang-related incident at the Estcourt Correctional Centre, where nine offenders suddenly attacked the unit manager and a security official just before feeding. Use of minimum force had to be applied, as prescribed, to calm the situation and all nine inmates received medical treatment immediately after the incident. Three of those nine inmates sustained injuries and were referred to the local hospital for medical attention; and were not at the ICU. The matter was also reported to the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, as prescribed in the policy. All perpetrators were charged and will face an internal disciplinary hearing,” said department spokesperson Thulani Mdluli.
Explaining the legislation that governs Correctional Services, Mr Mdluli said that the Correctional Services Amendment Act, No. 32 of 2001 (under Section C of Security) recommends the use of minimum force should there be any uncontainable life-threatening situation stirred by inmates.
“It emphasises that there must be a right of every inmate to personal integrity and privacy, but subject to the limitations reasonably necessary to ensure the security of the community, the safety of correctional officials and the safe custody of all inmates. Hence, every correctional official is authorised to use all lawful means to detain in safe custody all inmates and, subject to the restrictions of this Act or any other law, may use minimum force to achieve this objective where no other means are available. If force was used, the inmate concerned must undergo an immediate medical examination and receive the treatment prescribed by the correctional medical practitioner. Subsequently, the matter must be reported to the JICS,” explained Mr Mdluli.
In conclusion, Mr Mdluli said, “We will continue to uphold our centres as centres of new beginnings, not for war zones, because we have clear lines of communication that permit inmates to voice their dissatisfaction, for we have an obligation to provide the best correctional services for a safer South Africa.”
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