SABC: Inmates buy escape maps from warders
Prisoners are preparing to buy maps and plans from Department of Correctional Services officials and warders, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported on Friday.
The maps apparently detail how the department plans to prevent escapes this festive season, including when and where warders will be on duty.
The festive season is the peak season for prison escapes, especially in the Eastern Cape.
More than 72 prisoners escaped from prisons between January and November this year. The Eastern Cape had the highest number of incidents with 20 escapes.
This time last year, notorious awaiting trial detainee Annanias Mathe, a Mozambican national, escaped from the C-Max Prison in Pretoria and was recaptured.
Ten dangerous criminals bypassed a sophisticated security system at the Qalakabusha prison in Empangeni three months ago, said the SABC.
Last year, Eastern Cape prisoners obtained the festive season escape prevention plan and now they say they know all about this year’s plans.
The prisoner who revealed this said prisoners were already aware of what channels would be used by officials for incidents taking place during the festive season.
The whistleblower reportedly exposed last year’s plans and said she had evidence that it was going to happen again this year.
“Officials sell the plans for between R2 000 and R10 000 each,” she said.
Parliament’s Correctional Services Committee had called for an investigation and also wanted legislation on the screening of Correctional Services officials to be fast-tracked, the SABC reported. - Sapa
