Date: 28/06/2004
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Title: N Balfour: Statement on illegal strike at Barberton & Nelspruit correctional centres


MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, BMN BALFOUR, 28 June 2004

Cape Town - It has been brought to my notice by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Linda Mti, and the Regional Commissioner, Mr Watson Tshivhase, that members of Correctional Services based at Barberton and Nelspruit Correctional Centres have engaged in wanton acts of neglect of duty and alleged illegal strike action.

This irresponsible and illegal action by members resulted in a potential security breach relating to attempted escapes by un-sentenced inmates at Nelspruit earlier today. Quick action by management and non-striking members with the support of police and the SA National Defence Force prevented any escapes and contained the situation. All inmates have been returned to their cells and the Regional Commissioner has taken personal charge of the situation. Immediate steps have also been taken to ensure that inmates are fed and measures have been put in place to reinforce security at the facility that should ensure a normalization of the situation.

Inmates at Barberton are also being fed where members of Correctional Services were engaged in work stoppages that resulted in inmates not receiving meals.

I want to assure the public that we will not tolerate illegal actions by members that have the potential to put the safety and security of communities at risk. We will also not allow basic human rights of inmates to be infringed by ill-disciplined members.

I have made it clear that sufficient structures exist for members to channel any grievances to management of Correctional Services. Unions are well aware of the goodwill that I have publicly extended to them but they must also accept responsibility when their members deliberately engage in actions that are illegal and unacceptable. Through these despicable actions at Nelspruit and Barberton, the members involved are undermining a good relationship and acting against the interests of the public, their unions and themselves.

They need to know that disciplinary action will be taken against them and where there is a basis for criminal charges to be instituted, this will be investigated and followed through.

Enquiries: Graham Abrahams
Cell: 082 453 2244
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
28 June 2004
Source: Department of Correctional Services
(http://www.dcs.gov.za)