Parliament demands answers following the death of an inmate at Goodwood Prison in Cape Town. The call for transparency comes after a surprise oversight visit to the facility by a parliamentary committee....Click to Read More >>➤

Committee chairperson, Kgomotso Ramolobeng, led the visit on Wednesday. The inspection focused on the prison’s hospital section and its firearms and ammunition stores. The delegation aimed to investigate serious allegations, including the circumstances of a recent inmate death.

Conflicting Reports on Inmate Death

During the visit, MPs received conflicting information about the inmate’s death. Officials initially stated the inmate died of natural causes. However, this account was immediately contradicted.

At the prison’s medical section, staff revealed they were still awaiting the outcome of an autopsy. This discrepancy raised immediate concerns for the committee. “We were informed that the inmate died of ‘natural’ causes, yet when we got to the medical section of the centre, we were told they are still awaiting the outcome of the autopsy. So, clearly it does not add up,” Ramolobeng stated.

The investigation into the death at Goodwood Prison is now a primary focus. The committee is determined to uncover the truth behind the conflicting narratives provided by prison authorities.

Broader Allegations of Mistreatment Emerge

The inquiry extended beyond the single death. Inmates shared horrific accounts with the visiting MPs. They reported other prisoners who died after complaining of stomach-related conditions. These testimonies suggest a potential pattern of neglect or mistreatment.

The committee also sought clarity on another serious case. This involved an inmate who was allegedly beaten to death by prison officials. These allegations, if proven, point to a severe breakdown of discipline and safety protocols within the facility.

The situation at Goodwood Prison appears to involve multiple serious incidents requiring urgent intervention. The public deserves a full and honest accounting of what transpired.

Firearm Incident Raises Red Flags

A separate but equally alarming issue involved an alleged attempted suicide by a prison official. This incident was linked to a firearm that may have been issued unlawfully. The committee’s review of the firearm register uncovered a major inconsistency.

Ramolobeng revealed that the signature in the register did not match the official’s known signature. This finding casts doubt on the official record and the circumstances of the firearm’s release.

“This obviously raises red flags about the truthfulness of the information before us. The intel we received is that the firearm use was not authorised or registered. This is definitely a matter that needs further investigation,” Ramolobeng emphasized. The improper handling of firearms poses a significant security risk within a correctional facility.

Demand for Accountability and Systemic Reform

The findings from the surprise visit paint a troubling picture of operations at Goodwood Prison. The combination of an unexplained inmate death, allegations of brutality, and a firearm security breach points to systemic issues.

Parliament has vowed to pursue a thorough investigation. The committee will demand a complete and credible report from the Department of Correctional Services. Accountability for the death at Goodwood Prison and the other serious failures is non-negotiable.

The goal is to ensure that correctional centers adhere to the highest standards of human rights and operational integrity. The outcome of this probe will be closely watched by the public and advocacy groups. Justice for the deceased and improved conditions for all inmates remain the ultimate objectives.