Deputy Minister Ntshalintshali sends stern warning to visitors at Paxton

Newly-appointed Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, visited the Witbank Correctional Services, formerly known as Paxton Prison, to commemorate Corrections Week and National Prayer Day.

The deputy could not contain her excitement as she set foot in her city of birth for the first time after her appointment as deputy minister in July.

“It feels good to be home again,” Ntshalintshali expressed, as she took on the podium to deliver a speech on Friday, September 20.

Ntshalintshali wasted no time boasting about the current state of the facility, she outlined the different activities in place that serve to upskill those who are incarcerated.

“People should know that at the Witbank facility, they do not outsource the uniform, it is sown within the facility. Those serving their time are a part of different progammes that will upskill them so that when they are released and going back to their communities, they are skilled so that they do not revert to criminal activities,” said Ntshalintshali.

She outlined that the progammes prioritise entrepreneurship and hand work, as that will enable those who have served their time to open their businesses and generate income. The deputy outlined that the department also assists convicts with supporting documents that entail the kinds of programmes they have enrolled in such as, among others, beadwork, brick making, carpentry, art, catering, and painting.

The deputy also said that her department is also in the process of motivating other departments to not outsource, for example, uniforms but to buy them from various correctional services across the country.

Ntshalintshali condemned the spreading and circulating of old videos across social media platforms. She sent a stern warning to visitors of the facility who she alleged brought contraband and illegal drugs to the facilities.

“As a result, our efforts to assist and correct the actions of those who are incarcerated are delayed. One day you will walk in as a visitor and end up behind bars for those actions, we will arrest you,” Ntshalintshali warned.

The deputy also pleaded with the wardens to not take part in illegal activities such as transporting drugs, accepting bribes, and providing cellphones in the facility.

“On our next visit, we will come unannounced, and we will be searching every single one of you,” Ntshalintshali assured.

She ended by pleading with communities to openly accept those who have served their time and not stigmatise them based on their past. She also assured that the department is working closely with local municipalities to integrate those who have served and who are currently serving with society.

What is your opinion about this story? 

Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490

•     For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website witbanknews.co.za
• For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.