STEVEN MANN, Cape Town | Tuesday 3.30pm.
A TOP prison official has described convicted fraudster Allan Boesak as a “highly principled man” who would neither want nor receive special privileges while he is in jail.
Stephen Korabie, the Western Cape correctional services commissioner, said it had been decided to transfer Boesak from Pollsmoor prison to Malmesbury when it was heard he was to be incarcerated, and not because of reports that other prisoners had threatened to rape and kill the cleric.
“We plan ahead where we are going to place prisoners,” Korabie said, adding that prisoners are routinely transferred from Pollsmoor to other prisons.
Boesak, once a leading anti-apartheid activist, spent his first night in a single cell in Malmesbury prison’s assessment centre, where he is to spent seven days while officials decide what work he should do and what privileges he should receive.
Korabie said Boesak is likely to be classified as a B group prisoner, which will entitle him to 36 non-contact visits a year, the use of a telephone and to write and receive letters.
“There will be no preferential treatment for any prisoner. It is government policy,” he said. “We will also make sure that our prisoners serve in a humane and a dignified way.”
Korabie said a decision has still not been taken as to whether guards who embraced Boesak when he arrived at Pollsmoor should be disciplined.
He said it has to taken into account that Boesak is a community leader, and that some prison staff have suffered with him under apartheid.
On Friday, a five judge panel from the Appeal Court upheld three charges of fraud against Boesak for embezzling money from a charity he runs.
Boesak claims his Foundation for Peace and Justice is a front for the political activities of the ANC and the United Democratic Front.