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A viral video on social media has ignited a heated discussion about the living conditions and privileges afforded to prisoners in South Africa. The footage, taken at Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town, shows a man, who is on remand for kidnapping allegations, boasting about the benefits of life behind in prison.
FREE SERVICES FOR PRISONERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
In the video, the inmate claims that prisoners enjoy several free services. “We get free food and electricity,” he states, ensuring that inmates do not have to worry about basic necessities.
Furthermore, he highlights the availability of free education, suggesting that prisoners have opportunities to better themselves academically while serving their sentences. These claims have stirred public outrage and raised questions about the resources allocated to prisons versus those available to law-abiding citizens.
ACCESS TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Another point of contention is the inmate’s admission of having access to a cell phone, which he uses to post content on social media. This revelation has sparked a debate about the security measures in place at correctional facilities and the potential misuse of such privileges. The ease with which the inmate can communicate with the outside world has led to calls for stricter controls and monitoring within prisons.
Miles Bhudu, from the SA Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights, speaking to Newzroom Afrika expressed his frustration over the situation. He questioned why, for nearly three decades, the Department of Correctional Services has not established a working and procedural agreement with his organization to address these issues.
“Why for the past almost 30 years has the Department of Correctional Services never allowed us to have this agreement?” Bhudu asks.
He emphasised the need for cooperation between correctional services and human rights organizations to curb the misuse of privileges by inmates and to maintain order within prisons.
SEEKING SOLUTIONS
Bhudu announced plans to meet with the Minister of Correctional Services and other political parties to advocate for changes. “We’re going to plead with them, we’re going to go down on our knees that he let us go into a recognition and procedural agreement,” Bhudu declared.
He believes that with proper agreements in place, his organisation can help stop the misuse of privileges within the prison system.
IS IT FAIR FOR PRISONERS TO HAVE ACCESS TO SUCH PRIVILEGES WHILE SERVING THEIR SENTENCES? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
source:Viral video reveals free perks for South African prisoners (thesouthafrican.com)
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