QUICK READ Prison escapes

THE LACK of maintenance and poor infrastructure as well as the influx of contraband and non-compliance with policies and procedures by warders have been given as the main reasons why more than 200 inmates have escaped from prisons across the country in the past five years.

This is according to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, who was responding to parliamentary questions this week from EFF MP Yoliswa Yako, who wrote to enquire about the number of prisoners who had escaped from correctional facilities over the past five years.

Lamola said 256 prisoners had escaped from lawful custody in the past five years.

He said a total of 208 prisoners were re-arrested during the same period.

A total of 36 prisoners were still on the run following their escape over the past four years.

He said among the conditions that contributed to escapes from correctional facilities included a lack of maintenance, and poor and outdated infrastructure.

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Limpopo

RODGERS Monama, the MEC for

Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpopo, has announced that a new Midnight Law will come into effect on August 1, prohibiting liquor outlets from operating beyond midnight.

He made the announcement during his Nelson Mandela Day address at the Modimolle Victim Support Centre.

He said this would apply to all liquor outlets, including nightclubs, taverns, shebeens and restaurants.

Monama said alcohol was a contributing cause leading to genderbased violence, child abuse, instability in the community, trauma incidents, rape and various other sexual misconducts.

He said the department needed to play a critical role in reducing alcohol abuse and supporting moderate home drinking.

The National Liquor Traders Council, which will meet with the MEC to express its concerns about the decision, has expressed disapproval and described the decision as unfair. |

Umhlathuze

AN ANC councillor in Umhlathuze in northern Kwazulu-natal who survived an assassination attempt has resigned from his position with immediate effect.

Lindokuhle Ndlovu of Ward 13 (in Mpembeni) was shot at on Thursday night while driving from his home.

He said the incident occurred after he had dropped his children at home and had to go elsewhere. As he drove off, he saw a group of men who appeared to be drunk. One of the men lay in the middle of the road. It was then that he realised it was a trap, and the shooting happened.

Although he survived the incident, his car was riddled with bullets.

The by-elections in three months’ time are expected to pit the ANC against the IFP, which is fighting to cement its place in the municipality that it is currently governing with the help of the DA and the ACDP. |