Minister Groenewald calls for commission of inquiry into Western Cape prison corruption

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has called for an independent commission of inquiry to probe instability at prisons in the Western Cape.

Groenewald announced in parliament on Tuesday while briefing the portfolio committee on correctional services.

The minister joined other correctional services officials to answer questions about deaths in prisons and the alleged escape of a prisoner at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre.

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald believes a commission of inquiry is needed to investigate alleged corruption at Western Cape prisons.

At least 12 officials from Goodwood prison face disciplinary action after two inmate deaths were reported at the facility. 

 The incidents  were initially recorded as "Natural deaths."

 But it was later established that the inmates were killed by heavy-handed prison officers last year.

Groenewald says the erroneous release of a Pollsmoor prison inmate in September, which was later reclassified as an escape, also needs to be independently probed.

The minister says the department recently received a final report related to the incidents.

 "We were questioned about the preliminary report, but we have since received the final report."

Groenewald adds that disciplinary proceedings are underway against the officials involved in events at both facilities.