Hunger strike 'just threats'

2008-04-06 21:53

Johannesburg - The Department of Correctional Services dismissed the hunger strike at Johannesburg Prison as "just verbal threats".

Spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said on Sunday that if the awaiting-trial detainees (ATDs) were "serious" they needed to declare this to management.

"In terms of regulations, any one embarking on a hunger strike must officially declare this to enable the management to institute the prescribed procedures that include clearing of food from cells."

"The department will not compromise the security of the public and officials by claims to conditional privileges of inmates," said Wolela.

ATDs at Johannesburg Prison threatened a hunger strike after the confiscation of their portable radios on Saturday.

The SA Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (Sapohr) president Miles Bhudu said the hunger strike had begun.

'We need clarity'

He said there had been no explanation for the confiscation of the radios.

"These are people who should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. How can you then punish them by taking away their radios?"

Bhudu said: "We call on the Department of Correctional Services to give clarity and show leadership on this."

Wolela said that after a tip-off, officials raided the high-risk section B of the Johannesburg medium A correctional centre and found drugs and illegal substances.

"The radios were confiscated as a security measure after abuse of the privilege of access to portable radios by eight inmates," he said.

Wolela said a cellphone and pornographic materials also were confiscated from other raids at the cells.

The department will continue to strengthen security in its facilities by conducting impromptu raids and confiscating contraband, he said.

- SAPA