Jo'burg prison wardens 'on go-slow'

Prisoners at the Johannesburg prison were denied healthcare services by striking correctional services officers on Tuesday, said the South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights.

Spokesperson Golden Miles Bhudu said sick prisoners were not taken to hospital and none of the prisoners were taken for breakfast on Tuesday morning.

“Those who were supposed to go to court were not taken there and relatives of awaiting trialists were not allowed visits because of the wildcat go-slow by the prison wardens,” said Bhudu.

Correctional Services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela could not immediately confirm if the officers were on a go-slow, but Bhudu said the officers were on strike “because of failure by management to meet their demands”.

“We as the organisation are gravely concerned about such actions from top management who have deliberately ignored the legitimate demands of the wardens at the prison and other prisons around the country,” said Bhudu.

Wolela said he was driving to the prison on Tuesday afternoon to verify the claims.

“I’m in the process of establishing that ... I’m driving there now and will come back to you soon,” said Wolela.—Sapa