Reaction to Krugersdorp gang violence incident

By Odette Ismail
17 April 2007

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has reacted with great dismay after the alleged gang violence incident in Krugersdorp prison over the weekend.

This comes after six warders appeared in court in connection with the deaths of three inmates.

Manelisa Wolela spokesperson for correctional services told reporters that the three men have been released on bail of R1000 each. They are to appear in court again next month.

It is believed that the men have been suspended and the length of the suspension depends on the outcome of court and internal proceedings.

The men allegedly assaulted prisoners on Saturday night after a gang fight, they were taken to hospital but died soon afterwards.

POPCRU says they condemn such behaviour in the strongest sense.

Pat Ntsobi, national spokesperson for POPCRU says that overcrowding in prisons is making it difficult for officials to provide strict security.

“It is about time that government should pay particular attention to overcrowding, security and staffing in prisons, says Ntsobi.

Ntsobi says that they are certain that if the situation is probed, the same issues raised by them will be pointed out. “Inmates are in prison for rehabilitation not to be killed, says Ntsombi.”