Pollsmoor Fire, Bonnytown and C-Max Reports: adoption

22 February 2005
POLLSMOOR FIRE, BONNYTOWN AND C-MAX REPORTS: ADOPTION

Chairperson: Mr D Bloem (ANC)

Documents handed out:
None

SUMMARY
The Chairperson explained that the meeting would cover a different topic to that advertised in the Order Paper. The reports on the oversight visits to North West and Mpumulanga provinces would be dealt with at a later stage. Minor alterations to the Pollsmoor Fire, Bonnytown and C-Max visit reports were then proposed and the reports were adopted.

Documents handed out:
None

MINUTES

Pollsmoor Fire Report
Mr S Moatshe (ANC) suggested that the names of the prisoners involved be excluded from the report. The Chairperson agreed.

Mr J Selfe (DA) recommended that credit be given to the prosecutorial authorities for the fact that many notorious criminals were now in the prison system. The Chairperson agreed.

Mr Selfe asked if more information might have been made available as a result of investigations initiated by the Committee. He suggested that these investigations be cited.

The Chairperson answered that it would be the Committee’s responsibility to produce another report on this investigation once the current report had been tabled.

Mr Selfe questioned the observation that management had not been able to manage Pollsmoor prison. He asked if the Committee’s conclusion had been justified.

The Chairperson explained that the statement was justified as management could not answer the Committee’s questions on the incident. Mr Selfe suggested that this be highlighted. The Chairperson agreed that management lack of information be stressed. Mr L Tolo (ANC) agreed that management should jointly or severally, be held responsible.

Mr Moatshe suggested that firm dates be set for all reports requested for the Pollsmoor Fire Report. The date had been set at 30 days after the tabling of this report.

Mr Selfe asked for clarity around the recommendation that measures be taken to address the problem of inmates with suicidal tendencies.

The Chairperson suggested that the report should suggest that the Department ensure that all inmates at admissions centres have access to Independent Prison Visitors and social workers.

Mr Selfe suggested that the lack of health care professional should be addressed at a later date.

Mr Selfe motivated that the report be adopted. Mr N Tolo (ANC) seconded the motion, and the report was adopted unanimously.

Bonnytown visit report
Mr Selfe stated that security was a problem at Bonnytown. The high number of escapes from there should be mentioned.

The Chairperson answered that the Committee would mention this. The matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Welfare.

Mr Moatshe said that the fence had been in poor state. Mr Selfe felt it should be mentioned that the fence should be fixed and that access in and out of the institution should not have been so free.

The Chairperson suggested that the Committee recommend that the Department of Social Welfare give urgent attention to the institution.

Mr S Mahote (ANC) moved that the report be adopted. Mr Tolo seconded this motion. The report was adopted.

C-Max Prison report
Mr N Fihla (ANC) proposed that the report should state that the escape from there was a serious problem for all South Africans, not just for the Department of Correctional Services.

Mr Fihla motivated adopted, Mr Tolo seconded it, and the report was adopted.

The meeting was adjourned.