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While the Department of Correctional Services says there was minimal violence when a riot broke out at Bavianspoort prison in Gauteng earlier this week, a video has emerged that paints a different image.
Despite the department’s guarantee that no firearms were used inside the center, the video shows prison officials chasing and shooting at prisoners.
Then two unconscious inmates are seen carried in blankets and blood can be seen on the floor.
‘They are killing us’
As the scene unfolds, inmates are heard screaming “they are killing us” repeatedly.
In a statement released Monday, the department said the disruption was instigated by the president of the South African Prisoners Human Rights Organization, Golden Miles Bhundu, and others who incited a “revolt against the state” by the Covid-19 concerns within prisons, News24 reported.
He added that the inmates had become disruptive and minimal force was used to restore order.
Human rights lawyer attorney Clare Ballard told News24 that she had confirmed the authenticity of the videos through a client who was in prison.
Ballard said the videos reflect what happened in the prison when inmates and officials clashed.
Unjustified
The department said the protests were unwarranted because it had put in place measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 and ensured that the prisoners were protected.
“Screening tests have been conducted at our centers, and supplies are continually being provided for both prisoners and officials.
“Improving personal and environmental hygiene, provision of personal equipment, disinfection and disinfection interventions are what we have been doing and continue to do,” he said.
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