Understaffing, overcrowding led to Malmesbury prison break, claims Popcru
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) says overcrowding and understaffing must take the blame for Friday’s escape by a group of awaiting trial prisoners from the Malmesbury prison in the Western Cape.
A total of 68 trial awaiting prisoners escaped from the facility, but were all later rearrested.
ALSO READ: All 68 Malmesbury escapees rearrested
Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo says they have raised the issue of understaffing and overcrowding with the department.
“This is one of those things that will likely occur in the future. We have been complaining that our members have been stabbed due to the infighting in prisons. We are not surprised at these attempts.”