Government has set up a special investigation team to probe a telephonic interview between Talk Radio 702 and inmate Radovan Krejcir, which was aired on Friday.
“A special investigation team has been appointed to probe a telephone interview between Talk Radio 702 and inmate Radovan Krejcir, which was aired on 10 August 2018. This is a serious transgression, considering that inmates do not have the right to be interviewed, unless permission is granted by the relevant authority,” said the Department of Correctional Services.
The team has been given 24 hours to conduct the inquiry and report back to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services.
The department has further deployed an experienced senior manager to oversee operations at Leeuwkop Correctional Facility until further notice.
“Correctional Services takes this matter seriously, as it undermines the mandate of corrections, which entails safe and secure custody of inmates under humane conditions. Hence, unbecoming behaviour by officials and inmates will not be tolerated,” said the department.
It said caution must always be exercised by partners such as the media when engaging with inmates through illegal means, as this comes with unprecedented risks to the community, department officials and even greater risk for the victims of crime.
“Correctional Services is utterly dismayed by this conduct and those who aided inmate Radovan Krejcir will be spared no mercy,” said the department. - SAnews.gov.za
