Juveniles at Pollsmoor prison lodge complaints with MPs

CAPE TOWN - Juveniles at Pollsmoor prison have complained to parliamentarians about overcrowding and inadequate bathroom facilities.

On Tuesday, Parliament's Correctional Services Committee conducted an oversight visit.

Kitchens, clinics, bathrooms, a butchery, the juvenile centre and the section where mothers and babies are held – were among the areas inspected.

In an overcrowded room in the juvenile remand section, 53 boys flank a row of double bunk beds.

They sit crouched, some wide-eyed and innocent looking - and others, with hands and faces tattooed with gang signs, speaking of the crimes that landed them behind bars.

The committee’s chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng: “Inmates have rights, let’s get that clear firstly…You can’t commit a crime outside, and you come to a setup that is not user friendly, and you want to complain about the setup.”

She says recommendations will be made to resolve the problem areas picked up.