Suspending Goodwood prison wardens inadequate to eliminate Correctional Services Dept's failures: DA
The warders have been suspended pending an investigation into the death of Quinton Fortuin in February.
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CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the suspension of four Goodwood Correctional Services warders who are linked to the death of an inmate is not enough to stop the rot at the department.
The warders have been suspended pending an investigation into the death of Quinton Fortuin in February.
He was allegedly involved in a violent altercation with a prison official, and wardens reportedly used force to subdue him.
The DA says it has noted several inconsistencies in the statement released by the Correctional Services Department on the death of Fortuin.
The party’s Nicholas Gotsell has raised questions about why the case was converted from an inquest to a murder trial, two months after pressure from the media and the deceased’s attorney.
"Based on the contradictions and the serious questions surrounding the inconsistencies, the DA demands further suspensions and a full investigation into higher-level failures."
He's called on the police to investigate the matter and get to the bottom of what transpired.