The Department of Correctional Services says it is working with the police to probe circumstances around some inmates having access to cell phones and social media.
This follows videos that surfaced on TikTok where inmates can be seen in a Correctional Services uniform having a conversation in what appears to be a prison cell.
Their faces are not blurred but there is live stream interaction from other users and followers on the screen. The department’s spokesperson, Logan Maistry, says the use of cell phones in prison is against the law.
‘’The department is aware of some of the videos on social media pages and in these instances, necessary action has been taken against the inmates concerned. Illegal access to and the use of cell phones by inmates is a punishable offence and any person including officials and members of the public found guilty face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
Maistry says 536 cell phones have been confiscated during searches conducted between 31 May and 6 June. ‘’Inmates are not allowed to have cellphones as this is contraband which is illegal at a correctional facility. The Department conducts regular planned and unplanned checks and searches in the country’s 243 Correctional Centres to prevent the smuggling of cell phones and other contraband,’’ he added.
With the Justice Department trying to regain the country’s confidence following among others, the escape of Facebook rapist and convicted murderer Thabo Bester from the Mangaung Prison in the Free State in May last year and the fact that he was able to run successful businesses while incarcerated.
One user in particular, @IanCameron23 made his dissatisfaction clear.
‘’Receiving increasing reports of convicts doing live streaming on TikTok and etc from prison. We know things are messed up but every day I become more aware that criminals in South Africa have more rights than law abiding citizens,’’ he said.
He further called on Minister Ronald Lamola to take action against @babakspheangel, the account behind the videos and described Lamola’s work as ‘’remarkable incompetence’’ as he captioned the posts and tagged him.
However, Maistry assured that Correctional Services is liaising with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies in these investigations to address the matter.
