Prison riots won't be tolerated - minister
2013-01-08 10:04
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2013-01-08 14:25
Officials have declared a lockdown at Groenpunt prison in the Free State after prisoners burned down sections of the facility. Watch. WATCH
Pretoria - Riots instigated by inmates in prisons will not
be tolerated, Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said on Tuesday.
"Whilst the department of correctional services is
fully committed to the humane treatment of every detainee, acts of riots by inmates
at correctional centres are not acceptable and will be dealt with firmly,"
he said.
Ndebele said the rehabilitation of offenders, secure, safe
and orderly custody were two sides of the same coin.
"The balance between security, control and justice is
paramount," he said.
Warders injured
On Monday, prisoners at Groenpunt Correctional Centre in
Deneysville, Free State, refused to eat and then vandalised the facility,
setting alight cells and offices.
During the riot inmates attacked and injured at least four
warders.
Police task teams entered the prison to try and quell the
riot and a total of 50 inmates were injured.
The prisoners complained about the poor quality of food and
about some of the prison officials. They also wanted one of the unit heads to
be fired.
Meanwhile Correctional Services acting national commissioner
Nontsikilelo Jolingana said the situation at Groenpunt was under control in the
early hours of the morning.
"Police are still investigating, and we call upon any
person who has any information that may assist in this investigation to please
contact the police," she said.
- SAPA
