Langelihle Chagwe

Langelihle Chagwe

Warders at Modderbee Prison have accused authorities of nepotism and favouritism.

They claim that the authorities had failed to act against a warder who shot and wounded an inmate in December last year.

The warders, who spoke to Sowetan on condition of anonymity, also claimed that instead, the warder was promoted to a higher position a week after the shooting incident.

Our source said he suspected that no action was taken against the warder because of his close links with top prison management.

The source said the case should have been treated as serious by authorities as warders were not allowed to carry firearms into the cells as a safety measure for both the warders and inmates.

Correctional Services have, however, shot down the allegations, saying the warder had gone through a disciplinary process this year.

Spokesman Phumlani Ximiya said after investigating the incident, Veli Aucamp appeared before a disciplinary hearing where he was found guilty of shooting and wounding Andries Ndlangamandla.

Ximiya said the warder was given a final written warning.

He said he did not know why the inmate was shot.

Ximiya said he could not comment on Aucamp's alleged promotion as that was a human resources matter.

"The core business of the department of Correctional Services is to ensure the safe, humane and secure custody of offenders".

Ximiya said anyone who abused their position would face the consequences of such actions.

"The matter was also reported to the police and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who declined to prosecute," said Ximiya.

He said no reasons were given for the decision.