Veteran prison officials fired for drug trafficking
2003-03-11 14:32
Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal department of correctional services has fired two long-term prison officials who were found guilty of drug trafficking.
Leon Pakkiri, 40, and Bevant Brijali, 39, were fired from Durban Westville prison after the Jali commission of inquiry unearthed evidence against them.
The two men had worked for the department for 16 years said department spokesperson Russel Mamabalo.
Mamabalo said more than 30 department officials had been dismissed since April 2000 and that 14 of those had also been convicted on criminal offences.
He added that more than 139 staff members had been disciplined in the same period and that hearings were still continuing.
The Jali Commission was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki last year to probe corruption, illicit sex, drug abuse, and weapon trading in South Africa's prisons.
The investigation was sparked by shocking "hidden camera" footage of bribery, drug dealing, forced homosexual prostitution, and corruption at Grootvlei Prison in the Free State. - African Eye News Service
- News24