I WOULD like to respond to the allegations which were made by ‘Tronkvoël’, in the Paarl Post on 11 December.
The Department of Correctional Services is not denying that a search action took place as part of a national action, Operation Vula.
It is imperative to bring to the attention of the public the reasons for having such actions:
Recently a member of Drakenstein Correctional Facility was brutally assaulted by an inmate whilst on duty.
The member is still at home, recuperating from his injuries.
During Operation Vula a huge number of unauthorised items were found in the cells of the prison, which included sharp objects.
After the search action, all complaints and requests were handled, and none of the allegations of ‘Tronkvoël’ came to light.
These allegations will not stop the Department of Correctional Services from executing their primary functions, which include the safety of offenders, officials and the community at large.
After consultation with the Health Directorate at Drakenstein Medium A, it was also confirmed that no records exist which reflect any injuries which arose during Operation Vula.
Dir Jeremy Matheyse, Drakenstein Area Commissioner
