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The department of correctional Services should be embarrassed by the security lax exposed by the attempted prison escape this week.

Congress of the People (COPE’s) Acting Chiefwhip, Dennis Bloem condemned the incident calling it ‘a systematic error’ which needed urgent attention.

Bloem called for an independent investigation into the incident saying it is unacceptable to see an attempted escape orchestrated under the guidance of well-trained law enforcement officers without any ramifications. The minister and his senior managers in Correctional Services must clean their office and ensure that all involved in what appears to be an inside job are brought to book immediately. 

Bloem questioned the procedure of transporting dangerous prisoners from prison to the courts. “It is mind-boggling to think where the Tactical Response Team was when dangerous criminals were transported; and whether the truck was thoroughly inspected before it left the prison premises?” asked Bloem.

COPE therefore calls upon the Ministry of Correctional Services to establish where the explosive used originated from?