‘R240 for a Bed’: Former Inmate Lifts Lid on Shocking Kgosi Mampuru Prison conditions
- Two former inmates at Kgosi Mampuru II in Tshwane alleged they were made to pay fellow prisoners for a place to sleep
- One man said he was handed a cellphone and bank account details shortly after arrival and instructed to arrange payment for a bunk bed
- The Department of Correctional Services said it would investigate the allegations, noting its procedures do not permit such practices
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TSHWANE — Two former inmates at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre have come forward with allegations that prisoners are charged by fellow inmates for access to a bed, with those unable to pay reportedly left to sleep on bare concrete in severely overcrowded cells.
According to IOL, the men, both of whom were held at the Tshwane facility earlier this year, made the allegations independently. The Department of Correctional Services said it regards the claims as serious and has committed to launching an investigation.
Cellphone used to arrange payment inside prison
One of the men, arrested on 18 May over an alleged R980,000 theft, was taken to Kgosi Mampuru II on 20 May and spent two days there while awaiting bail. He told of being handed a cellphone along with a bank account number shortly after arriving. He was then directed to contact his wife, who transferred payment and sent proof to the number provided.
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"I was told I must buy a bed," he said, adding that the fee amounted to R240, which included a mattress.
The man described conditions inside the cells as "real hell" and alleged that sexual coercion was rife, claiming a self-appointed authority figure targeted him after he refused to comply. He was subsequently moved to a different cell and released on 22 May. He denies the theft allegations against him.
A second former inmate, held in January while facing a hijacking charge, described a similarly distressing experience in the same section and said he suffered a severe psychotic episode during his time there.
The reported presence of a cellphone inside the facility is itself a significant concern, given that phones are classified as prohibited items in South African correctional centres. National Commissioner Makgothi Thubakgale disclosed in February that 312 disciplinary cases had been opened against officials accused of smuggling contraband, with 266 of those cases concluded.
Overcrowding compounds conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the department was disturbed by what had been alleged.
"Our standard operating procedures do not allow such a practice to happen in our facilities," he said.
He noted that newly admitted inmates are entitled to a bed, toiletries and other basic essentials at no cost.
Nxumalo confirmed an investigation would be conducted before the department provides a detailed response. The department did not address the allegations of sexual coercion.
South Africa's correctional system is operating at roughly 58% above its approved capacity nationally, with approximately 169,000 inmates held in facilities designed for 107,000. A parliamentary headcount conducted on 26 February found that 205 of 243 facilities across the country were overcrowded. In Gauteng alone, 20 of 26 facilities were above capacity.
Peet Viljoen opens up about life in Kgosi Mampuru
Briefly News also reported that Reality TV star Peet Viljoen has opened up about the living conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II Prison, where he is being held in a single cell. He revealed that his diet mainly consists of porridge. Peet told the the media that he is reluctant to complain because he fears retaliation.
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Source: Briefly News
