Drug dealer gets laptop in prison

THE man who set up an international drug ring with the former wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele via email has been given permission to have his own laptop in prison.

But prison authorities insist that Frank Nabolisa will be closely monitored when he uses the device.

On Wednesday, Johannesburg High Court Judge Kathy Satchwell ruled in favour of the convicted Nigerian drug dealer's application to be allowed to receive reading material, a personal laptop and internet access at the Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre in Johannesburg.

The court heard that Nabolisa needed the laptop to study a computer and Internet certificate course with Intec College.

Department of Correctional Services' acting deputy communications commissioner Koos Gerber said: "The computer will be used for studying only. Programmes that are not required for studying will be removed."

Gerber said Nabolisa's laptop will also be inspected regularly.