Parole backlog sparks protests at Kgosi Mampuru prison

The Department of Correctional Services’ Logan Maistry says officials were forced to intervene after prisoners refused to back to their cells used minimum force to handle the situation. 

"We can confirm that an altercation took place between  offenders and officials at Kgosi Mampuru prison. Officials managed to bring the situation under control. Its alleged offenders refused to return to their cells. They were requested repeatedly to return to their cells but refused. The offenders started attacking officials and one inmate and an official sustained slight injuries," says Maistry. 

Maistry says the prisoners are unhappy over the backlog in parole applications. 

"Senior correctional services management and the minister continue to engage prisoners regarding the issue of delayed parole applications for offenders sentenced to life imprisonment. We have outlined steps that have been taken by the department to ensure that we are able to address these backlogs. We have acknowleged the challenges and we have outlined the steps we are taking to address the backlogs" he says. 

Maistry says the department has launched an investigation into the incident.

"In line with relevant legislation minumum force was used to restore order and the center is now back to normal. This matter will be reported to the inspecting judge and relevant law enforcement agencies for the neccesary investigations to be conducted.  We are not aware of any similar incident at any correctional facility in the country," says Maistry. 

The SABC has tweeted a leaked video of the clashes. 

He says he cannot confirm reports that inmates at the Barberton Maximum Prison in Mpumalanga have embarked on a hunger strike.