'Prisonbreak' maps on sale

2007-11-17 10:18

Johannesburg - Prisoners are preparing to buy maps and plans from correctional services officials and warders, the SABC reported on Friday.

The maps apparently detail how the department plans to prevent escapes this festive season, including when and where warders will be on duty.

Festive season is peak season for prison escapes, especially in the Eastern Cape.

More than 72 prisoners escaped from South African prisons between January and November this year and the Eastern Cape has the highest number of break-outs with 20 escapes. There were 17 escapes from KwaZulu-Natal correctional facilities this year and 12 in Gauteng.

This time last year, notorious awaiting trial detainee Annanias Mathe, a Mozambican national, escaped from the C-Max Prison in Pretoria and was recaptured.

Ten dangerous criminals escaped through a sophisticated security system at Qalakabusha in Empangeni three months ago, said the SABC.

Last year Eastern Cape prisoners got hold of last year's festive season escape prevention plan - now they say they know all about this year's plans as well.

The prisoner who revealed this said prisoners were already aware of what channels would be used by officials for incidents taking place during the festive season.

The whistle-blower reportedly exposed last year's plans and said she had evidence that it was going to happen again this year.

"Officials sell the plans for between R2 000 and R10 000 each," she said.

Parliament's Correctional Services Committee had called for an investigation and also wanted legislation on the screening of correctional officials to be fast-tracked, the SABC reported.

- SAPA