Prison deaths and irregularities at Goodwood Correctional Centre prompt Parliamentary investigation
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services conducted led an unannounced inspection of Goodwood Correctional Centre to investigate unexplained deaths and administrative irregularities.
Image: Bheki Radebe
Serious irregularities and suspicious inmate deaths at Goodwood Correctional Centre have triggered alarm bells within the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services following an unannounced oversight visit on Wednesday.
Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, alongside committee member Janho Engelbrecht, conducted a thorough investigation of the facility, focusing on a recent inmate death officially attributed to "natural causes."
The visit included stops at the hospital section, firearms and ammunition stores, and the cell where the inmate had been housed prior to his death.
During the visit, Ramolobeng said inmates had provided disturbing accounts of the night the deceased inmate fell ill before dying.
“It came to light that three other inmates have fallen ill with stomach-related conditions since this inmate succumbed,” she said.
The committee also examined reports of an attempted suicide involving an official who allegedly signed out a firearm under suspicious circumstances.
Ramolobeng noted discrepancies in the official records, saying, “During examination of the register, I highlighted that the individual’s signature does not appear to be the same, which raises questions about the entries in the log.”
She added that the committee had received information suggesting the firearm may not have been lawfully issued.
“The intel we received is that the firearm use was not authorised or registered. This is definitely a matter that needs further investigation,” Ramolobeng said.
Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town, where the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services conducted an unannounced visit following reports of inmate deaths and alleged firearm irregularities.
Image: supplied
The Chairperson also questioned inconsistencies surrounding the reported cause of death of the inmate.
“We were informed that the inmate died of ‘natural’ causes, yet when we got to the medical section of the centre, we were told they are still awaiting the outcome of the autopsy. So, clearly it does not add up. We will need to engage the Department on these discrepancies. It does not paint a good picture,” she stated.
The committee has pledged to pursue clarity from the Department of Correctional Services to ensure accountability and transparency within the prison system.