IFP Welcomes Probe Into Prisoner Deaths

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MRS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

April 17, 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson on Correctional Services, Ms Sybil Seaton MP, has welcomed the South African Police's high level investigation into the deaths of three inmates at the Krugersdorp Prison at the weekend.

"The IFP is shocked by these brutal murders and it has once again brought to light the serious underlying crisis within the Department of Correctional Services," said Ms Seaton.

"Minster Ngconde Balfour and the Department of Correctional Services still owe the public some answers about what happened during the escape of Annanias Mathe from C Max prison last year, but now they are faced with a brand new crisis. The appalling conditions many prisoners across the country are being held in, coupled with overcrowding and corruption within the prison system leads to these disasters.

"These murders are yet another example of the impunity with which the Department of Correctional Services operates, as it is clearly in violation of the Correctional Services Act and the Constitution, which states that the human rights of all people - including offenders - should be protected."

In conclusion Ms Seaton said: "We applaud the speedy arrest of the six Krugersdorp Prison warders suspected of killing the inmates. This is an extremely serious incident and those who committed these atrocious crimes must face the full brunt of the law."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mrs Sybil Seaton MP: 083 412 0075/ 083 700 4411
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470