Block ‘preferential treatment’ probe fizzles
AN INVESTIGATION into how former ANC provincial chairperson John Block was hurriedly transferred to Upington Correctional Centre, soon after reporting at Kimberley Correctional Centre to serve a 15-year jail sentence, appears to have dissipated into thin air.
Kimberley resident Caution Lesaoane said that he was still waiting for feedback following a request made to the national commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, in November last year to probe Block’s apparent “preferential treatment”.
Block handed himself over in November 2018 after losing an application in the Supreme Court of Appeal against his sentence, after he was convicted of corruption and money laundering.
He was found guilty of receiving gratifications in exchange for facilitating inflated leases that were concluded with the Trifecta group of companies for government buildings in the Northern Cape.
A family spokesperson, Kenneth Khumalo, had in October 2022 indicated that Block had requested the transfer so that he could be near his elderly parents in Upington.
Khumalo found it “appalling” that Block was denied parole in 2021 as he believed that he was a model prisoner.
Lesaoane indicated that Block was transferred from Kimberley Correctional Centre to Upington Correctional Centre “a mere five hours” after he was incarcerated in 2018.
He alleged that high-ranking officials, who were involved in “corrupt relations with Block”, expedited his relocation.
Lesaoane queried how Block’s application for the transfer was approved so quickly.
“Who approved it? Which official admitted him to the Kimberley Correctional Centre and who assessed him at the case management committee?” asked Lesaoane.
The Department of Correctional Services advised Lesaoane, in an e-mail dated November 19, 2022, that his concerns would be referred to the regional commissioner for a report to be issued, where feedback would be provided within 30 days.
“Up until today, no information has been forthcoming from the department. It is my submission that there is a case for officials in the Kimberley and Upington management areas to answer for,” said Lesaoane.
“Officials who were involved in the unlawful transfer should be subjected to disciplinary processes.”
A spokesperson for the national Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, pointed out that Lesaoane had “been making countless complaints” against the area commissioner of Kimberley Correctional Centre.
“Some of the claims that were investigated proved to be a futile exercise. We are nonetheless willing to investigate whatever is brought to our attention,” said Nxumalo.
He added that a team of investigators from the department had interviewed Lesaoane to test the veracity of his allegations.
“The department has never hidden any movement pertaining to inmate Block.”
Nxumalo said Block was assessed and transferred out of Kimberley Correctional Centre after he was admitted to start serving his sentence.
“It is the prerogative of management to transfer offenders to various centres at any time. We do not need anyone's permission, especially from someone who has no business in the day-to-day running of the department.
“It is also up to management to arrange security and the escorting of inmates, without seeking approval from members of the public.”
Nxumalo explained that inmates were transferred for various reasons outlined in Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998.
“A decision to transfer an inmate is guided by an assessment of the offender, while possible risk factors are also taken into account.”
Nxumalo added that management was not aware of any corrupt activities involving high-ranking officials and Block.
“Like any other citizen, Lesaoane has the right to report any corrupt activities and high-ranking officials to the law enforcement agencies. We are committed to playing our part in assisting in any investigation and are more than willing to co-operate with the authorities.”
He denied knowledge of any commitment made to provide a response to Lesaoane.
“The department is not aware of the 30-day promise given to provide feedback to Lesaoane. The department is always willing to test whatever allegations or matters are raised by Lesaoane and has the capacity to do so.”
Nxumalo added that inmates also had a right to privacy and that he was therefore not at liberty to disclose if Block was transferred on medical grounds.
“It will be incorrect for the department to divulge the medical conditions, personal records or release dates of Block to anyone, including Lesaoane, without his consent.”