Boeremag trialists relocate
2004-10-22 19:58
Pretoria - The conditions under which 14 of the Boeremag treason trial accused are being held in jail are to improve considerably for the next few months.
After giving notice of an urgent application to stop correctional services from moving them out of their single cells at Pretoria's local prison into communal cells, the accused on Friday reached an agreement whereby they would be moved to the C-section at Pretoria's maximum security prison, C-Max, until their cells have been renovated.
The accused complained that they received death threats on a daily basis, were threatened with sodomy and were victimized in jail not only by fellow, black prisoners, but also by some of the warders.
One of them, Adriaan van Wyk, said he had to receive a tetanus injection and anti-retrovirals after being bitten by a black prisoner in a seemingly crazed attack.
They said they feared for their lives in communal cells and would not have access to electronic equipment presently used to follow the trial.
According to the agreement, the Boeremag accused will get their own section at C-Max, where they will be housed in communal and single cells.
They will also have limited access to a private courtyard with grass and shrubs, will be allowed to use their own linen and have access to washing facilities. They will be able to keep television sets, radios and specified electrical equipment in their cells and will even be allowed to keep certain musical instruments and practise hobbies.
Apart from this, they will retain all of their present privileges as trial-awaiting prisoners, including visits from family, friends, lecturers and religious workers under certain conditions, access to a public phone and the right to privileged consultations with their legal representatives.
They will also receive medically prescribed diets and medical treatment where necessary.
According to court documents, the cells where they were to be kept were particularly clean and neat, in contrast with their present cells where they complained about cockroaches, broken windows and a lack of water.
Their "vacation" at C-Max will probably last throughout the Christmas holiday period until January next year, when they will be moved back to the local prison.
- SAPA