STATEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ON INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AT-THE ADMISSIONS CENTRE AT POLLSMOOR CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ON 23 AUGUST AND 23 OCTOBER 2004
A report on the investigations into the fire that led to the unnatural deaths of three inmates and injuries sustained by another three inmates at the Admissions Centre at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre on 23 August 2004 has been lodged with the office of the Regional Commissioner.
The report details the nature of the investigation and lists statements taken from officials and inmates as well as other source documents. It must be noted that many interviews were held with inmates who were not willing to supply statements.
The report contains a number of findings and recommendations, some of which have already been implemented while others are being processed for consideration. The legal unit of the department is considering the findings and recommendations and will accordingly advise which recommendations should be acted upon.
It is clear from the report that the fires in the two cells were started by inmates within the cells. There is no substantiated evidence that suggests that the cells were set alight from outside the cells or that any substance such as floor polish or thinners were used to start the fires. It is also clear from the report that inmates involved, barricaded the grills and windows with their mattresses
blankets and other objects.
No member of DCS can be held directly responsible for the unfortunate deaths of the three inmates or for the injuries sustained by the three other inmates. The deaths were caused by the actions of an inmate/or inmates within the specific cell by setting it alight. So too, the injuries sustained by the three other inmates.
Despite the attempts by officials to prevent any deaths or injuries, they were hindered by the barricading of cells and were thus not able to control the fire quicker than what was done under the prevailing circumstances.
We are also investigating allegations that complaints and requests were not procedurally dealt with. If the investigations prove this to be factual, the necessary disciplinary measures will be instituted. Further attention is being given to ensure the effective compliance with the disciplinary system for inmate and additional measures to those in place are being determined to ensure the on-duty officials perform their duties according to the duty list.
In line with the recommendations, one of the officials concerned has since been transferred to another section. A separate investigation into an alleged assault on an inmate is currently being done.
A preliminary report on the events that led to a fire and the deaths of three inmates at the Admissions Centre of Pollsmoor Correctional Centre on 23 October 2004 has also been completed.
While provisional findings and recommendations have been tabled, it is strongly recommended that a further investigation be instituted by an investigation team independent of DCS that should include representatives of other statutory agencies.
Part of the motivation for this, is to establish whether prevailing conditions and circumstances within the Admission Centre are not being manipulated by certain individuals with the aim of making the Centre ungovernable.
Preliminary findings are that the fire was started within the cell. Further investigations need to confirm this. There are also shortcomings in dealing with the movement of inmates and their security as well as dealing with requests and complaints in terms of procedures.
The system of accountability and supervision is not adequate within the section Unit managers are not being given the required supervision.
Drug-smuggling remains a serious challenge.
Overcrowding results in the classification of inmates being compromised, An example of this is inmates sentenced to between two and five years are amongst maximum-sentenced inmates.
Gangsterism within the Admission Centre remains a major challenge and must be addressed.
A thorough assessment of communication between the Operational Head of the section and Unit Managers is a priority.