Prison strip: 13 face censure

Thirteen officials from the department of correctional services will face suspension after photographs of prisoners at Johannesburg’s “Sun City” prison being entertained by what appears to be strippers emerged on social media at the weekend

The pictures were met with outrage after the department confirmed their authenticity. They depict three dancers in various states of undress, dancing with and seemingly undressing an inmate. The department has condemned the act, calling it a breach of security, and said an investigation was under way.

Acting commissioner for the department James Smalberger said the incident happened on June 21 during a Youth Month celebration. He told journalists that the dancing routine was not approved by the departments involved in the event. Smalberger added that officials flouted the department’s security protocol in allowing the incident to happen.

“This kind of thing ... it’s the first time it has happened,” he said, giving the assurance that no taxpayers’ money had been involved.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 13 officials had broken the department’s code of conduct.

“There were various items on the programme for the day and organisers of the event requested approval from the head of the correctional facility,” said Smalberger.

Smalberger said those implicated included managers and ordinary officials at the facility, but more employees could be involved.

This kind of thing ... it’s the first time it has happened. James Smalberger Acting commissioner, department of correctional services