THE Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms that two correctional officials from Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre were arrested on April 19 for allegedly aiding the escape of 16 remand detainees from the said facility on April 9.
The two officials have since been granted bail of R5 000 each and are due to appear again in court on May 3. Three other officials have been placed on suspension pending the outcome of an internal investigation. More officials may be suspended.
DCS Gauteng regional commissioner, Thakane Grace Molatedi, expressed disappointment at these developments saying that it is against the ethos, and mandate, of the department.
“DCS will fully co-operate with the investigation by the SAPS to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this escape. Those found guilty will face the full might of the law,” said Molatedi.
The department views these allegations very seriously, and the work done by the investigating teams thus far is commendable.
In Gauteng, from January 2017 to date, 1 036 disciplinary cases were finalised for various acts of misconduct in DCS. Forty-two officials were dismissed, others faced additional sanctions while certain officials were found not guilty.
“We will allow the law to take its course. As DCS, it is our responsibility to ensure that our facilities are centres of rehabilitation and we will continue to root out all forms of unlawful activities in order to maintain a high standard of safety and security.
“Ten of the 16 escapees are still at large, and we will not rest until all of them are arrested. The community is urged to please come forward with any information that may assist in this matter,” she said.
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