Eastern Cape police are investigating a case of sexual assault after a Lusikisiki correctional centre inmate reported an incident to police involving a warder.
The incident allegedly took place while prison officials were searching the cells for drugs and other contraband items like cellphones.
It is alleged that one inmate had a cellphone but refused to give it up.
He took exception to how one guard carried out a body search and reported the matter to the prison head. His complaint was later escalated to the police.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni confirmed that a case of sexual assault had been opened and was under investigation.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, the inmate’s stepmother, Nomelumzi Magqabi, said the incident left them worried about his safety.
She said he had even refused to eat after the incident.
“For three days after the incident he never wanted to eat. What happened to him has left me hurt and scared of what would happen to him next after he reported this matter.
“If these officials were searching for drugs why would they do such a harmful thing by searching him like that? It was an embarrassing and painful experience for him,” said Magqabi.
She said her stepson had rights too.
“Those rights need to be respected by officials. When we’ve got time to visit we will hear what his current situation is. We condemn this incident,” said Magqabi.
Eastern Cape Department of Correctional Services spokesman Zama Feni said the officials were doing their jobs in searching for “foreign objects” in prison cells.
“We can confirm the incident where one of the officials is accused of sexual assault by the offender. The offender refused to be searched after police received information that he had a cellphone with him,” said Feni.
He said the inmate later complained to senior officials.
“He was allowed to be examined by the doctor but there were no injuries found. We must make it clear that if we are searching for foreign objects in the prison, we will do that without fear.
“They always run to report while they are doing wrong. It’s shocking to hear that he has run to the police and we will defend our officials if the case goes to a court of law.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Warder accused of sexual assault
The incident allegedly took place while prison officials were searching the cells for drugs and other contraband items like cellphones.
It is alleged that one inmate had a cellphone but refused to give it up.
He took exception to how one guard carried out a body search and reported the matter to the prison head. His complaint was later escalated to the police.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni confirmed that a case of sexual assault had been opened and was under investigation.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, the inmate’s stepmother, Nomelumzi Magqabi, said the incident left them worried about his safety.
She said he had even refused to eat after the incident.
“For three days after the incident he never wanted to eat. What happened to him has left me hurt and scared of what would happen to him next after he reported this matter.
“If these officials were searching for drugs why would they do such a harmful thing by searching him like that? It was an embarrassing and painful experience for him,” said Magqabi.
She said her stepson had rights too.
“Those rights need to be respected by officials. When we’ve got time to visit we will hear what his current situation is. We condemn this incident,” said Magqabi.
Eastern Cape Department of Correctional Services spokesman Zama Feni said the officials were doing their jobs in searching for “foreign objects” in prison cells.
“We can confirm the incident where one of the officials is accused of sexual assault by the offender. The offender refused to be searched after police received information that he had a cellphone with him,” said Feni.
He said the inmate later complained to senior officials.
“He was allowed to be examined by the doctor but there were no injuries found. We must make it clear that if we are searching for foreign objects in the prison, we will do that without fear.
“They always run to report while they are doing wrong. It’s shocking to hear that he has run to the police and we will defend our officials if the case goes to a court of law.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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