Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
27 June, 2001
The Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya has expressed shock and serious concern at the reported death on Sunday, of another inmate from the Noupoort Christian Centre, 15-year-old Theo Hurley, and has ordered an urgent high-level investigation into the matter by senior officials Department of Social Development.
"This is indeed a great shock and a matter of serious concern to me and the government as a whole. I want this matter to be investigated as a matter of urgency so that a decision about the future of the Centre can be taken soonest. Noting that fact that the issue of the registration of the Centre and other systems required for it to operate were being looked at, there is need for us to act more decisively and rapidly in a manner that will ensure permanent safety and security for all the children," said the Minister.
"I express my sincere condolences to the members of the bereaved family and other community members affected, and I promise to ensure that we will go into the bottom of this matter as soon as possible," further said the Minister.
In May this year, another inmate, Logan Klingenberg (16 years old) died under mysterious circumstances in the centre and the police are investigating the matter.
Subsequently, the Minister instructed the Centre to put its house in order by not later than August 2001, including registration and conformity with all the legal and professional requirements for the operation of such centres, and thereafter, a decision about its future will be considered.
A Task Team was established composed of the national and provincial representatives of the Department of Social Development, the management of the Centre, the community representatives as well as and family representatives of the inmates.
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
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