Prison Strippers in SA – Suspensions, Twitter Jokes and an Apology to South Africa
PRETORIA – The Department of Correctional Services says 13 officials will be served with letters of contemplation of suspension, following the explicit entertainment at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre. (Please see Update 29 June, 2017, at bottom of page.) “At this stage, the preliminary findings indicate that at least 13 officials will be served with letters of […]
PRETORIA – The Department of Correctional Services says 13 officials will be served with letters of contemplation of suspension, following the explicit entertainment at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre. (Please see Update 29 June, 2017, at bottom of page.)
“At this stage, the preliminary findings indicate that at least 13 officials will be served with letters of contemplation of suspension,” said acting National Commissioner James Smalberger on Monday.
According to the preliminary report received, illicit images were taken at an event hosted at the centre during Youth Month Commmorations on 21 June at Johannesburg Medium B Correctional Centre.
He said the department is currently investigating reports of the images circulating on social media of ladies dressed in what looks like underclothes seen to be entertaining inmates at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
He said the department condemns the incident with the contempt that it deserves.
The Commissioner said the management of the event should have never allowed and should have halted the explicit entertainment as it is against the department’s policies.
“This type of conduct is unacceptable, particularly in a correctional facility where security is of paramount importance.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that we will leave no stone unturned in dealing with this matter,” said Commissioner Smalberger.
According to Smalberger, the investigation is being led by a senior official at the level of a Director who is not from the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
“On behalf of DCS, we want to apologize to the citizens of South Africa for this incident which, indeed, is very disturbing.
“We will make sure that those found guilty face the consequences of their actions, and also that sufficient measures are in place to ensure that such incidents are not repeated,” Smalberger said.
The jokes have been pouring in to Twitter, with the City of Joburg chipping in to say: “We have plenty places of entertainment in our City, our prisons are not one of them. Don’t get any ideas #CrimeMustFall.” (See more below.)
– Mainly sourced: SAnews.gov.za
On Twitter…
#PrisonStrippers The photos show two prisoners with scantily dressed women as other prisoners and wardens watch @News24 pic.twitter.com/SZOMIbT0j3
— Tolokazi (@lizTandwa) June 26, 2017
#PrisonStrippers The picture taken were during an event related to 16 June. The form of entetainment was however not approved. @The_New_Age pic.twitter.com/YnZFtHc9YX
— KutulloMadisha (@kutulloMm) June 26, 2017
The Twitter #PrisonStrippers Jokes
https://twitter.com/Ashley_Dorothy/status/879308806605475840
World: In prison, you'll be stripped of your freedom.
SA: in prison, you'll be stripped on.#prisonstrippers pic.twitter.com/UOEsCwS7Lr
— Timon (@Prinstimon) June 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Ooglermarc/status/879303078134116353
https://twitter.com/Cooster_ZA/status/879309197879410688
#PrisonStrippers We have plenty places of entertainment in our City, our prisons are not one of them. Don't get any ideas #CrimeMustFall ^GZ pic.twitter.com/lnIA69b1tr
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) June 26, 2017
We spotted one of the #PrisonStrippers pic.twitter.com/IAjlRowx3R
— AbortedNews (@AbortedNews) June 26, 2017
UPDATE 29 JUNE 2017:
Ten Joburg prison officials served with letters
Pretoria – Ten of the 13 Correctional Services officials implicated in improper entertainment at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre have been served with letters of intention to suspend them.
Addressing the media in Pretoria earlier on Thursday, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Micheal Masutha said the officials have been given 24 hours to show cause why they should not be suspended.
“The remaining three will be served when back on official duty,” said Minister Masutha.
Minister Masutha apologised to the South African citizens for the incident and said as the department they ensure that it does not happen again.
According to the preliminary report received, illicit images showing half-clad women were taken at an event hosted at the centre during Youth Month Commemorations on 21 June at Johannesburg Medium B Correctional Centre. – SAnews.gov.za