Condom containers as weapons
2004-03-17 12:04
Pretoria - Plastic and steel containers for dispensing condoms in prisons were used by inmates to manufacture lethal weapons, the Jali Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.
When cardboard boxes were used instead, the containers and their contents were often destroyed by prisoners, according to correctional services health director Maria Mabena.
She was cross-examining Aids Law Project attorney Yusuf Saloojee, who was critical of condom distribution in prisons.
Saloojee proposed on Tuesday that condoms be made available to inmates in a more discreet manner, away from the prying eyes of warders and fellow-inmates.
Mabena pointed out, however, the unique challenges posed by the prison environment and invited suggestions to address such practical problems.
She criticised a proposal by Saloojee that prison catering should be outsourced and inmates given kitchen jobs at departmental salary rates.
"Don't you think this will encourage unemployed people outside to commit crime?" she asked.
Saloojee conceded that another suggestion - providing bleach to prisoners to sterilise tattoo needles before re-using them - may be dangerous.
The commission was hearing submissions on ways to curb the spread of HIV in prison.
- SAPA