MEDIA STATEMENT BY CHAIRPERSON OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

15 MARCH 2005

It is with the strongest and most vehement voice that the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services condemns the recent incidents of random acts of violence perpetrated against correctional officials by violent criminals who are in the custody of the Department of Correctional Services.

The brutal attacks on two nurses by a juvenile offender at Baviaanspoort prison in on Sunday, 13 March 2005 is an atrocity against the good work that these nurses were fulfilling in our prisons, it was an atrocity to their families, an atrocity to the rehabilitative efforts of the Department of Correctional Services and an atrocity to our society.

Yesterday's attack on Correctional Officials at Groote Schuur whilst they were escorting an awaiting trail detainee, resulting in the death of one of our officials is an incident requiring serious introspection and investigation. The fact that lives of innocent people were placed in grave danger whilst awaiting medical treatment, is an indictment on the protection afforded to both the public (when they are in the midst of offenders) and correctional officials (while they are on duty). We offer the victims and their families of these senseless crimes all our condolences and deepest sympathies. We offer the Department of Correctional Services our unwavering support in their attempts to see that justice is done. The Department has promised that thorough investigations into both incidents will be undertaken and the reports thereof will be submitted to the Committee for further analysis. We will ensure that speedy resolutions and actions are taken against those involved in any way in these crimes.