A statement from the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) condemning violence was welcomed by Minister of Correctional Services Ngconde Balfour on Wednesday.
”I really welcome the first-ever statement by Popcru condemning the alleged acts of thuggery and criminality inflicted by some of their members on others … in the employ of the Department of Correctional Services,” Balfour said in a statement.
This paves the way for improved relations between Popcru and the department, Balfour said.
Popcru can reinforce its commitment to discipline and order, Balfour said, by condemning other criminal acts, often committed in prisons.
These include:
- the brandishing of service firearms when employees want to express dissatisfaction;
- blatant attempts to influence inmates to escape or to commit crimes;
- the wilful destruction of state property, including the ”mindless destruction” of insignia;
- reporting for duty drunk, even attending disciplinary hearings while intoxicated;
- wilful neglect of duties in securing cells without regard for the safety of other warders and the public; and
- false promises of employment to persons in exchange for bribes in cash or kind.
Balfour dismissed rumours of militarisation of the department, saying the Cabinet had approved in 2003 the introduction of a compulsory uniform and insignia as part of the identity and authority identification within the department.
Before this was approved by Cabinet, trade unions were consulted, he said.
”At no stage was there ever any reference, whether directly or indirectly, to the reintroduction of militarisation in the department.”
Those who ”target” other members because they are ”disciplined and proud enough to wear their insignia” should ”stop acting as thugs”.
By continuing to promote good governance and condemning unlawful actions by its members, Balfour said, Popcru will send out a strong message that there is no place in the union movement or in the department for individuals who are bent on ill-discipline.
”Such a step by Popcru will give me enough reason to promote the interests of responsible unions amongst the members of the department and even to recommend to new recruits at our colleges to seek membership of such unions,” Balfour added. — Sapa