Issued by: Office of the National Public Protector of SA
The National Public Protector of South Africa, Adv Selby Baqwa, is to visit Barberton Prison on 9 January 1996 in the wake of the recent gang-related prison violence which occurred there. He has taken note of the violence as reported by the Press. He has not received a complaint in this regard, but is considering investigating the issue on own initiative.
The Public Protector may investigate on own initiative, or on receipt of a complaint, allegations of maladministration, or improper prejudice on the part of the authorities towards the public. His jurisdiction includes government on any level (National, Provincial and Local), as well as the state owned corporations, and statutory bodies performing a public function. If on completing an investigation he finds the authorities to have erred, he would recommend corrective action. He is independent from government and politics, and reports to Parliament only.
Regarding his visit to the prison, Adv Baqwa says that he is aware that the culture of gangs in prison is one ith a long history. Often prisoners are forced to join a gang by other prisoners. Although he appreciates Correctional Service's dilemma with gangs and gang-related violence, he is concerned whether everything possible is done to prevent the outbreak of such violence. It is so that certain rights of prisoners are curtailed by their being imprisoned, but he points out that their rights to safety of life and limb is not one that is affected by their imprisonment.
The aim of Adv Baqwa's visit would be to talk to Barberton Prison management, some prisoners, and to view the area where the violence took place. He would also consider calling for a written report on the violence. We would in due course, after completing his investigations, issue another statement on the matter.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR
PRETORIA, 8 JANUARY 1996
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