Question NW84 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
27 February 2017 - NW84
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)(a) How many (i) inmates died of unnatural causes in the St Albans Prison in Port Elizabeth in the 2016 calendar year and (ii) inquest dockets were opened to investigate the deaths and (c) what are the full details in each case in respect of (i) progress, (ii) outcome and (iii) recommendations or applicable follow-up action to date; (2) Are any security cameras installed at the specified prison operated and/or owned by a private security company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a)(i) There are (3) three inmates that died of unnatural causes in the St Albans Correctional Centres in Port Elizabeth in the 2016 calendar year. All three (3) died on 26 December 2016.
(ii) The case has been reported to the SAPS with SAPS CAS number 291/12/2016. The SAPS and the Court will decide on the inquest process to follow.
(c) (i) The investigations by the South African Police Services are still in progress.
The internal DCS Investigation Report is currently under consideration of the Regional Commissioner for a decision.
(ii) & (iii) The outcome of the investigation will be communicated and implemented after the decisions are made on recommendations in consultation with the National Office. The Regional Management is currently addressing functional and administrative issues of St Albans Maximum Correctional Centre and follow-up action will be developed on finalisation of the Investigation.
2. Yes, cameras have been installed to monitor the operations in the kitchen unit at this specified Correctional Centre are operated and owned by a private company – in terms of the current nutrition contract.