Cape Town — The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has expressed shock at a recent video circulating on social media, which shows an inmate flaunting his comfortable life in prison.
The video has sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and raised concerns over the privileges afforded to prisoners.
In the video, the inmate claims that life in prison is comfortable. He shows other prisoners in the background having fun, laughing, and listening to music.
“Hello haters, you put us in prison and you think we are suffering? No, my brother, we are doing extremely fine, look how happy we are, ” he says.
He says that they are fed four meals a day and reiterates that it does not feel like a punishment. He is encouraged by other prisoners who are overjoyed by the luxuries they are afforded.
“We are doing extremely fine, we are not even suffering at all. We are not paying rent, we are not buying electricity, we don’t cook food, they cook for us,” he added.
Soft life in SA prison??🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/8fQpB7tK0S
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 15, 2024
According to The Citizen, the DCS has said that prionsers are not allowed to own cellphones or other contraband, but it is not uncommon for prisoners to illegally acquire them through smuggling and corrution.
DCS spokesesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the department was disgusted by the video.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is appalled by the video making rounds on social media by inmate Bornface Banks,” said Nxumalo.
Banks is a Zimbabwean national currently detained at the Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town for an alleged kidnapping. The phone has subsequently been confiscated and Banks will be takne through a disciplinary process.
“Mobile phones are defined as a contraband in correctional centres hence illegal access and usage is a punishable offence,” he added.
The department has launched an investigation into the matter and has promised to take appropriate action against the inmate and any other individuals involved.
X users responded with shock to the video and bemoaned the department for allowing criminals to live lives of comfort.
Mxm 😩 this is rubbish
— Mlungisi Mabaso (@mlungisi_baso) July 16, 2024
This is sickening, to think that our taxes are feeding them makes me want to vomit
— Zinhle MaMkhize Sokhela (@ZinhleSokh92169) July 16, 2024
While students are struggling to get food, places to stay in universities, mxm why not free food and accommodation for students instead
— Mr Fittz (@Sanele123452) July 15, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
