IFP PRESS STATEMENT BY: 
MRS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP CORRECTIONAL SERVICES SPOKESPERSON

3rd July 2008

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson on Correctional Services, Mrs Sybil Seaton MP, today called for an urgent probe to be launched into the latest escape attempt by dangerous prisoners at Empangeni's Qalakabusha Prison. 

Mrs Seaton commented: "It is said that two of four highly dangerous criminals have made a second daring attempt to escape from Empangeni's Qalakabusha Prison, following their escape which made headlines on the 4th of August last year. 

"Furthermore, it has been reported that these prisoners are guarded by a highly trained SAPS emergency support team, who are the only guards allowed to handle these prisoners. 

"This then begs the question: why are these dangerous prisoners still not being kept in a C-Max prison as we were promised last year, and how did these dangerous prisoners manage to allegedly find keys to unlock their handcuffs? 

"The IFP would also like to know from Minister Balfour how far the investigation has progressed into the August 2007 escape and if anyone has been found guilty of corruption as yet? 

"It is clear that there needs to be far better security in place to protect these prisoners when they are on the move, and that they should never again be kept in a medium security facility - they have proved that they are far too dangerous. 

In conclusion Mrs Seaton said: "Drastic actions are now needed before these dangerous criminals try to escape again. We would like to call on the Minister of Correctional Services to tell us why these prisoners were not moved to Kokstad C-Max as promised? Lastly, the IFP calls for a full investigation to be launched and the guilty parties should face lengthy prison sentences.

Suspending corrupt prison and police officials is not good enough, they should face the full brunt of the law."