Sne Masuku
Sne Masuku
The week-long hunger strike by HIV-positive prisoners at Durban's Westville Prison has ended.
The strike started last Friday after prisoners complained about poor nutrition, inadequate medical attention and a communication gap between prison management and prisoners.
The prisoners are demanding the removal of Bheka Nkomo, the head of the Medium B section of the prison.
On Tuesday the prison management, Judge Nathan Erasmus, of the independent prison inspectorate, prisoner representatives and representatives of the company contracted to provide catering services at the prison met to discuss the prisoners' grievances.
The prisoners claim Nkomo has done nothing about their complaints.
Correctional services' area commissioner, Zebilon Monama, said he would deal with the prisoners' grievances.
Golden Miles Bhudu, of the Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights, said he welcomed Monama's attitude.