Most recently, an inmate was murdered at the Drakenstein facility in March during a scuffle with prison officials, after he allegedly cut a warder in the face with a blade.
Overcrowding, negligence by prison officials, and a lack of training among warders are among the factors contributing to security breaches at some of the province’s prisons.
Western Cape Correctional Services Regional Commissioner, Chantelle Williams-Paulse, said that they are working to address these challenges.
“We are using the strengths analysis report to map out a strategy to address training deficiencies,” said Williams-Paulse. “We are hoping the Nelson Mandela Training Academy will help close that gap and assist in addressing our challenges”.
She added that the department has also approached the judiciary to explore ways to reduce overcrowding.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
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